Starry Sky: A Basic Guide for Star gazers 88 Constellations' Symbolic Signs and the Myths Related to Them

Author: [UK] Geoffrey Cooney
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2001-03-01
Features: Preface: How to Use This Book / [Night Sky] This book partially details the history and astronomical background of the sky we observe. It covers the principles of sky observation, introduces the celestial sphere, the zodiac, and the ecliptic. [All-Sky Maps] These maps are divided into the Northern and Southern Hemispheres, showing the movement trajectories of the constellations throughout the year. [Major Constellations] Using specially designed illustrations and following internationally recognized astronomical conventions, the book provides detailed descriptions of the 40 most familiar constellations in alphabetical order of their Latin names. Under the main title is the standard three-letter abbreviation (e.g., TAURUS abbreviated as TAU), the possessive form of the name (usually used for star names to indicate which constellation they belong to). Each constellation map shows stars with a magnitude of up to 5.25, which is the limit visible to the naked eye. The book provides the Greek letter names or numerical designations of the stars. Some particularly important dimmer stars are also shown. α generally represents the brightest star, β the second brightest, and so on. The introduction to each constellation is based on practical observation needs: how to identify them, the limits of observation, and the date when they reach culmination at midnight (or 1 a.m. during daylight saving time). The main stars of each constellation are listed with their names and magnitudes, and in most cases, their colors are also provided. Important deep-sky objects are also listed. The book concludes with myths and legends associated with the constellations. For some major constellations, small "arrow" diagrams are used to help you locate their positions across the sky. The book also includes three main landmark maps to help you locate the circumpolar constellations of the North and South poles. [Minor Constellations] The remaining 48 constellations are presented with simplified dual-color maps, following the same approach as the major constellations but in a condensed format. [Wandering Stars] This section describes the names and myths of the Sun, Moon, and planets in the solar system. [Appendix] "Finding Stars and Planets" shows how to locate Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn in the night sky between 1997 and 2010, as well as the best observation dates for Mercury as the Morning or Evening Star. "Star Catalog" provides an alphabetical index of star names used in the book, listing the page numbers where each star appears, the star's name, its constellation, and its complete celestial coordinates. "Glossary" defines the main technical terms used in the book. This book vividly and engagingly tells the stories of each constellation, making your journey of exploring the starry sky a delightful experience.