Norton's Star Atlas and Reference Handbook

by Arthur P. Norton

Generations of amateur astronomers have called it simply "Norton's" - the most famous Star Atlas in the world. It's immediate success was largely due to "Norton's" uniquely accessible accessible arrangement of maps in slices, or 'gores' each covering approximately one-fifth of the sky, and its inclusion of stars visble to the naked-eye.

Genres: Reference, Astronomy, Science, Space

Paperback

Published January 1, 1998

About the author

When a school boy Arthur Philip Norton was given a telescope by his great-grandfather. Thus began his life-long interest in astronomy.

Norton chose a career as a teacher, which saw him take several posts over the course of his professional life. In 1910, however, his life took a more public direction. This was the year in which he was voted into the British Astronomical Association, and the year in which the first edition of The Star Atlas and Reference Handbook (later to be named Norton's Star Atlas and Reference Handbook) was published.

The Handbook was intended to be a companion to several contemporary astronomical guides, but it quickly proved itself to be a popular and valuable resource in itself. Norton oversaw five editions of the Handbook, through to 1933. The Handbook is now a century old, and it is still popular with amateur astronomers.

Norton was considered a good and engaging teacher by his students. He was also known his mechanical skills, having designed and constructed several complex devices, including clocks, and for his sense of humour—and his lisp.

Asteroid 3869 Norton, is named in his memory.

Reviews

[Hangci Du · Rating 5 out of 5]

very good book for amateur astronomers, also good me, a freshman in professional astrophysics.