The Handbook of Astronomy

by Clare Gibson

Astronomy is a popular pastime, and one that is as rewarding with a pair of binoculars as with the latest high-tech telescopic equipment. The Handbook of Astronomy begins with the history of astronomy - when many cultures believed the planets and stars were divine entities - and then examines the development of astronomy as a science - covering the major findings and developments from the early days to the present. With full-color photographs and illustrations, The Handbook of Astonomy is the perfect introduction for beginners, and a useful reference guide for more experienced star gazers. It provides advice on what to look out for, when to look for it and provides guidance on equipment and recording your findings.

Paperback

First published May 31, 2006

Reviews

[Darsh Karwal]

This book gives a clear perspective of astronomy constellations time and is for a beginner of astronomy.

[Lisbeth Rider]

Lisbeth Rider
Handbook: Handbook of Astronomy
Call number
R
523.1
Gibs
Brief Description
This is a well-rounded introduction to astronomy and star-watching. The author uses clear terms and it has excellent maps, photographs, and diagrams. 256pp
Citation for where the item has been reviewed
Taylor, Gilbert (2005). Handbook of Astronomy. Booklist 102(2), p16.
Criteria:
Content Scope
Most aspects of the field of astronomy are covered in simple terms for beginners, but treated in enough depth to satisfy students with more knowledge and experience about skywatching.
Accuracy, Authority, and Bias
For decades, Clare Gibson has been one of the outstanding astronomy writers. This is the first handbook she has written for beginners.
Arrangement and Presentation
One of the outstanding features of this volume is the stunning photographs from telescopes on earth and in space.
Relation to Similar Works
This handbook’s author, Clare Gibson, has written other astronomy books for a more sophisticated reader. Her works date back several decades and have been popular with amateur astronomy readers at all levels of expertise. It is priced much more moderately than most other astronomy guides.
Timeliness and Permanence
Since astronomy is a field of knowledge that changes rapidly, there is a Kindle version of this handbook that might be more up-to-date. Since its copyright makes some of the information in it obsolete, I hesitated about added it to the Goodreads list, but since the reviews were so good. I decided to include it.
Accessibility/Diversity
The age range is listed on this book as 11 and up, and reviews say that it can be understood by newcomers, but that veterans of the field will appreciate its small size containing a wealth of information. A good choice for any amateur astronomer since much of the book is devoted to using small telescopes and binoculars. Recommendations were for both beginners and more experienced amateur astronomers. Easy to read, yet thorough.
Cost $16.82

[Jen]

Mind boggling! Lots of information. I will be referring back to this book.

[Kristine]

This is a pretty good summary of a vast field of astronomy and covers the solar system, stellar evolution, galactic structure, and snippets of related topics.