Books The Backyard Astronomers Guide by Terrence Dickinson & Alan Dyer

The Backyard Astronomer's Guide is the best of one of only a few up to date books which Adorama recommends to those persons who have decided to buy a decent astronomical telescope, or for those who are now considering the choice of astronomical telescope, binoculars, and the related accessories. This is a book which is helpful before you buy, and which can also help you to progress with the telescope over the first year or two using the telescope.

Furthermore, it is written and beautifully illustrated in such a manner that anyone from upper elementary school to the experienced amateur astronomer will find the book readable, interesting, and informative. This edition is a complete rewrite of the original work, including discussions of aspects not even contemplated when the original work was published. This edition is the first Backyard Guide printed on acid-free paper to better insure longevity!

Chapters also include much practical advice as well as some explanation of theory, a bibliography of helpful publications and software, discussions about binoculars, telescope maintenance and collimation (alignment of the optics), telescope testing (since not all consumer telescopes are created equal), discussions regarding sky conditions (seeing, transparency, etc.), polar alignment and use of mechanical setting circles, with the last 20% or so of the book discussing celestial objects and how to observe them.

Beautifully supported with several hundred color illustrations, breath taking astrophotographs, charts and and drawings.