The Backyard Stargazer : An Absolute Beginner's Guide to Skywatching with and Without a Telescope

Stargazing is an activity that lasts a lifetime. There is nothing like the thrill of glimpsing at the rings of Saturn for the first time or seeing, with the aid of a simple pair of binoculars, a fuzzy patch in the sky resolve into a cluster of sparkling stars. The Backyard Stargazer will help you discover new wonders in the night sky, whether you observe from a lounge chair in your backyard, a camp set up far from city lights, or the deck of a ship on a special stargazing cruise.Written in a conversational, accessible style, The Backyard Stargazer is a down to earth guide to observing the night and daytime sky without having to invest in a lot of equipment.You will discover:What you need to get started: a clear night, a red light flashlight, and a copy of The Backyard Stargazer to guide your observing sessionsSeasonal star maps to help you spot constellations ,and more, year roundThings you never knew about the Moon, Sun, and planetsWhat causes an eclipse and how you can travel to see oneHow stars are born and where comets come fromHow to photograph auroras, meteors, and constellationsWhat you can see with the naked eye, binoculars, and, when you're ready, a small telescopeIncludes 46 easy projects for planet watching, moon viewing, and constellation spotting!