| Generations of amateur astronomers have called it simply Norton’s – and have known it as the most famous star atlas in the world. Now in a superbly redesigned, two-color landmark 20th edition, the first of a new century, this combination star atlas and reference work has no match in the field. Originally written by Arthur Norton and first published in 1910, coinciding with the first of two appearances by Halley’s Comet during the book’s life, Norton’s owes much of its legendary success to its unique maps. The book’s sewn binding lets the maps lie flat for easy reference in the field or at the desk. Its eight computer-plotted double-page (11" x 17") Epoch 2000.0 star charts (7° per inch) are arranged in slices known as gores, each covering approximately one-fifth of the sky. They show all 8700 stars visible to the experienced unaided eye from a dark sky site (down to magnitude 6.49), plus over 600 selected visual and telescopic deep sky objects. Accompanying each chart are two pages of tabular materials covering the selected items on the chart and telling why the objects are worth looking for, their positions, magnitudes, colors, sizes, etc. Over 500 variable stars with at least a 0.1 magnitude range and maxima above magnitude 6.5 are plotted. Double stars with a combined magnitude above 6.5 and a separation of at least 1 arc second are also plotted. The nearly 150 stars that are both variable and double are specially marked. Two full-page galactic longitude and latitude maps are also included. Four full page lunar quadrant maps are included. Each has a facing page list of the named features on the map, with their coordinates and size. More than just a set of star charts or a Moon map, Norton’s is a gold mine of observing tips, explanations of technical matters, and snippets of history. Preceding the maps is the unique and authoritative reference handbook covering time-keeping and positional measurements on the celestial sphere; the Sun, Moon and other bodies of the Solar System; telescopes and other equipment for observing and imaging the sky; and stars, nebulas, and galaxies. Throughout, succinct fundamental principles and practical tips guide the reader into the night sky. The appendices Units and Notation, Astronomical Constants, Symbols and Abbreviations, and Useful Addresses complete what has long been the only essential reference for the stargazer. Consider the section on Mars, for example, for an idea of the completeness of this book. In less than four pages, you get an albedo (brightness) map of the planet, showing its appearance through amateur telescopes over several oppositions; albedo maps of the Martian poles; a listing of 140 principal albedo markings on the planet visible through an earthbound telescope and keyed to a latitude and longitude grid on the albedo map; basic information about the planet and its atmosphere; why it appears orange in a telescope; how some of the albedo markings coincide, or fail to coincide, with known topographical features; information on how large/small bright/dim the planet appears at various times in its orbit; how to observe its moons; hints on observing short-term changes in its surface markings, white clouds and hazes, dust storms, polar caps and what these changes mean to the weather on Mars; what kind of filters to use to observe different surface features; and even more. As you can see, Norton’s packs an amazing amount of information into a limited amount of space. Among the subjects covered are the Sun; the Moon; all of the planets and their satellites; minor planets; comets; meteors; eclipses; occultations; auroras, noctilucent clouds, and the zodiacal light; artificial satellites; stars – including constellations, nomenclature, radiation, magnitude, luminosity, distances, motions, physical parameters, spectral classifications, and stellar evolution; double stars; variable stars; clusters, nebulas, and galaxies; and more. It also contains many informative pages on general astronomy, observing methods, astrophotography, and much more. Now presented more accessibly than ever before, the text and tables of the carefully revised 20th edition have been updated to take into account the latest developments in our observation of the cosmos. The redesigned star maps offer outstanding legibility, in the living room or under a red light in the dark outdoors. This is a very detailed 208-page 8.5" x 10.75" hardbound volume for the serious amateur astronomer – or for anyone who wants to become a serious amateur. Presented with an authority that has stood for generations, Norton’s Star Atlas and Reference Handbook remains the indispensable companion for all who gaze at the night sky. For use you’re your first pair of binoculars, in choosing your first telescope, and as a trustworthy companion no matter how far your interest takes you, the elegant new edition launches Norton’s into a new century as the classic reference in astronomy. One reviewer said “Once in a blue moon a book appears to dramatically and forever change its subject; in short, the work becomes an indispensable resource for generations. Norton’s Star Atlas is such a work." Another said, “The new edition of Norton’s Star Atlas should be a real winner: once again, the amateur astronomer’s indispensable companion." Do you sense a trend involving the word “indispensable?" This classic work has been updated and edited by Ian Ridpath, a full-time writer, broadcaster, and lecturer on astronomy and space for more than twenty-five years. He has written and edited more than 40 books.
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