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The Illustrated Guide to Astronomical Wonders--New from Make:
Amateur Astronomy Made Simple--The Ideal Field Guide for Novice Stargazers

November 8, 2007

The celestial bodies have been a source of mystery and wonder for centuries—but with high-powered telescopes now priced under $250, the study of the stars is within reach for anyone. Ready to get started? is the perfect guide for novice astronomers.

“We wish this book was available years ago, when we started observing the night sky,” explains co-author . “Instead, we were on our own addressing the same two problems that every amateur astronomer faces: which objects to observe and how to find them.” Thompson and his wife have co-authored books including , , and . As co-founders of the , they are both currently pursuing Astronomical League Master Observer certificates.

The easy-to-use includes a complete illustrated constellation guide along with comprehensive charts and diagrams. You will learn:

  • How to choose, buy, and use the proper equipment
  • How to read star charts and locate objects in the night sky
  • Which objects to look for in 50 constellations every night of the year
  • How to find those objects and what they look like

Arriving in bookstores by November 19th and available online today at , the can carry novice observers to intermediate or advanced status. Unlike other beginner guides which are quickly outgrown with short object lists, this compilation includes nearly 400 double and multiple stars, star clusters, nebulae, and galaxies. Even observing every clear, dark night, it will take stargazers one to three years to observe all of the recommended targets.

is a coauthor of "Building the Perfect PC" and "PC Hardware in a Nutshell." She runs her own home-based consulting practice, Research Solutions.

is a coauthor of Building the Perfect PC, Astronomy Hacks, and the Illustrated Guide to Astronomical Wonders. Thompson built his first computer in 1976 from discrete chips. Since then, he has bought, built, upgraded, and repaired hundreds of PCs for himself, employers, customers, friends, and clients.

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Robert Bruce Thompson, Barbara Fritchman Thompson
ISBN: 0-596-52685-7, 519 pages, $29.99 USD, £18.50 GBP
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