100 things to see in the night sky From planets and satellites to meteors and constellations, your guide to stargazing

To get started in the hobby of astronomy, it is helpful to have a guidebook that provides maps and instructions for finding objects of interest in the sky. In 100 Things to See in the Night Sky, Regas (Cincinnati Observatory) has contributed a new volume with a special focus on beginners. He encourages readers to begin with the brightest objects (the Sun, Moon, and Venus) and to look for subtle changes that can be observed without a telescope. Following the initial instructions for studying the brightest, closest planets, he includes information on dozens of bright stars and constellations. Each target comes with an illustrated map, a degree of difficulty, and a description. While the maps might not be as detailed as beginners may wish, the included instructions for locating each object should give most observers an excellent primer for navigating the sky. The book includes a section on how to spot man-made objects, such as bright satellites and the international space station, as well as eclipses and other phenomena. This book is an ideal introduction for beginners interested in observing many of the most popular objects visible in the night sky. Summing Up: Recommended. All collections/levels. --Christopher Palma, Pennsylvania State University