A Guide to Advanced Skywatching

by David H. Levy, Robert Burnham, Alan Dyer

Was there ever life on Mar? Will Earth be hit by an asteroid? Are there any other solar systems? Advanced Skywatching guides you through the mysteries of the universe and tells you everything you need to know about becoming a proficient backyard astronomer.

The heavens call to you, and circle around you, displaying to you their eternal splendors

Genres: Science, Astronomy, Reference, Nonfiction

288 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 1997

About the author

David Levy is a prominent astronomer and author, most famous for his co-discovery in 1993 of Comet Shoemaker-Levy 9, which collided with the planet Jupiter in 1994.

Levy was born in Canada, but now lives in Arizona. He has been involved with astronomy, as an observer, promoter, and author, for his entire adult life. Levy has discovered twenty two comets, given innumerable lectures, television appearances, and published articles in the major science and astronomy magazines.

He gained a Phd in English literature in 2010. There is an asteroid named in his honour, Levy 3673. He is married to Wendee Levy.

Reviews

[Aprilleigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

This awesome volume is like a DK book for adults. Each topic is covered in 2-6 page chunks, and the best part is the starhopping chapter (nearly half the book) and the 20 charts it contains. Each chart covers a specific area of the night sky and includes starhopping directions to walk you through locating and observing some of the most interesting objects. This section alone makes this a standout volume invaluable to any serious amateur astronomer.

[Bryan Whitehead · Rating 5 out of 5]

This companion volume to the Nature Company’s basic skywatching guide goes into more detail about various topics related to astronomy. Though there’s nothing wrong with the first volume, most adult readers (particularly those who’ve had a science class or two) will find this work a lot more informative and interesting. The book provides good coverage of issues ranging from telescope selection to the ins and outs of planets, stars, comets and other observable objects. I have only two minor objections: first, several of the entries left me wanting additional information. But I suppose that’s the role of an introductory volume, and the book does include an extensive index of additional sources of information. Though I enjoyed the copious photos and pictures, I thought it was at least a little deceptive to illustrate a guide for amateurs using images that can only be created using sophisticated, expensive equipment beyond the means of most if not all beginners. Pictures shot through average amateur scopes might have been less dramatic but more honest depictions of the world of astronomy as a hobby. Other than that, however, I’d recommend this book to anyone with a general curiosity about the subject.

[Miranda Prather · Rating 4 out of 5]

As with the basic book, a bit dated now, but this volume can build on the knowledge learned in the first book. Some of the material is redundant, and I think the book would have been better to cut that down significantly.

[Kevin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great guide to astronomy, both general knowledge and advanced telescope techniques. Recommended for anyone interested in exploring God's incredible creation up close!

[Stacy · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent book for the beginning stargazer or a vet. Covers everything space related from stars, satellites, comets, meteorites and constellations. Plenty of star charts.