BOOKS AND OTHER RESOURCES:
The Miller Planisphere (also called a starfinder)
A simple star chart that can be adjusted for the date and time of use. The major stars and constellations are depicted and will aid in identification of planets. This is one of the best maps for beginners for naked eye study. Celestial Products, Inc. P.O. Box 801 Middleburg, Virginia 20118-0801 http://www.mooncalendar.com Edmund Scientific Star and Planet Locator This is a less expensive planisphere than the Miller version. It is made of cardboard, while the Miller Planisphere is made of heavy plastic. Edmund Scientifics (800) 728-6999 http://www.scientificsonline.com/shop/astronomy Sky Atlas for Small Telescopes and Binoculars, by David S. Chandler and Billie E. Chandler This very easy-to-use star atlas shows all naked eye stars (stars of 6th magnitude and brighter) and the brighter deep sky objects (star clusters, nebulae and galaxies). Descriptions of showpiece objects are given by constellation. David Chandler Company P.O. Box 309 La Verne, California 91750 Also available from: Orion Telescopes and Binoculars P.O. Box 1815 Santa Cruz, California 95061-1815 (800) 676-1343 www.telescope.com Edmund Mag 6 Star Atlas An excellent naked eye star atlas that is somewhat more comprehensive than the Sky Atlas for Small Telescopes and Binoculars. Edmund Scientifics (800) 728-6999 http://www.scientificsonline.com/shop/astronomy Stargazer’s Toolkit Contains three helpful products to help the budding astronomer find their way in the night sky, including: 1) Discover the Stars, a 120-page constellation guidebook; 2) Moon Map; and 3) a red LED flashlight (preserves nighttime dark adaption). Orion Telescopes and Binoculars P.O. Box 1815 Santa Cruz, California 95061-1815 (800) 676-1343 www.telescope.com How to Use Your Telescope An excellent beginner’s guide from Edmund Scientifics, 36 pp. Edmund Scientifics (800) 728-6999 www.scientificsonline.com Touring the Universe through Binoculars, by Phillip S. Harrington This book is an excellent guide for the novice user of binoculars or a small telescope. This book, accompanied by one of the star atlases and a planisphere (star and planet finder), would build a perfect starter package. http://www.philharrington.net/sw8.htm Astronomy Magazine A monthly astronomy magazine that is very readable and informative. Astronomy P.O. Box 1612 Waukesha, WI 53187-9950 www.astronomy2.com |
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FURTHER LINKS:
Affiliated Regional Organizations
Astronomical League
Pennsylvania Astronomy Clubs 1
Amateur Astronomers Association of Pittsburgh
National Radio Astronomy Observatory at Green Bank
Carnegie Science Center
Other Astronomy-Related Links
Celestron Telescope
Meade Telescope
High Point Scientific
Orion Telescope and Binocular
Oceanside Photo and Telescope
Pennsylvania Outdoor Lighting Council
NASA Night Sky Calendar
NASA Jet Propulsion Lab
Sky and Telescope Magazine
Astronomy Magazine
Hubble Space Telescope Public Archives
International Dark Sky Association
Free Astronomy Software for ALL Operating Systems
The Astronomical Image Archives