Star Gazing in The Books Store

This collection of celestial atlases by Dutch-German mathematician and cosmographer Andreas Cellarius (c. 1596 – 1665) brings back to life a masterpiece from the Golden Age of celestial cartography. First published in 1660 in Harmonia Macrocosmica, the complete 29 double-folio maps and dozens of unusual details reproduced here depict the world systems of Claudius Ptolemy, Nicolas Copernicus, and Tycho Brahe, the motions of the sun, the moon, and the planets, and the delineation of the constellations in various views. Cellarius's atlas, superbly embellished with richly decorated borders depicting cherubs, astronomers, and astronomical instruments, features some of the most spectacular illustration in the history of astronomy.

This reprint, made from the beautifully hand-colored and complete copy of the first edition in the Library of the Universiteit van Amsterdam, includes a copiously illustrated introduction by Robert van Gent, one of the leading Cellarius experts, summarizing the history of celestial cartography from antiquity to late 17th/early 18th century and illuminating the life and work of Andreas Cellarius. Van Gent also discusses the historical and cultural context and significance of the atlas and provides detailed descriptions of the astronomical and iconographical content of the plates, allowing modern readers to fully appreciate the masterwork of Andreas Cellarius and his publisher, Johannes Janssonius.

The Observer's Sky Atlas contains star charts and information for all those who observe the night sky with unaided eyes, with binoculars, or with small telescopes, and also for those who just wish to look at constellations and interesting objects. Equally useful for the beginning observer and the old hand, the atlas presents:

- A short introduction into observing the sky and a thorough description of the star charts and tables

- Clearly arranged charts of all the stars (up to 6th magnitude) visible with the unaided eye

- Enlarged chart sections (including all stars to magnitude 9) for binocular observation, highlighting 250 interesting nebulae, galaxies, and stellar clusters;

This new third edition features:

- 32 additional pages with images of all the 250 nebulae covered in the atlas

- An updated calendar for the next 20 years

- Double star ephemerides from 2005-2020, including updated tables accompanying star charts

- Updated minima/maxima of variable stars according to recent observations

- Updated data where new measurements have proven more reliable than previous ones.

The Observer's Sky Atlas is an indispensable and handy companion for every observer and has already appeared in four languages.

Some praise for previous editions:

"… The most informative little sky guide in the business." –Astronomy

"The more experienced observer will find this slim volume useful at the telescope and … packed with interesting observing projects." –Sky & Telescope

The Night Sky Companion 2009  takes a look at astronomy every day over the course of the year offering  general history, soft science, trivia, observing guidance and motivation. This book is much more than an observing guide, it's a way of learning your way round the night sky. It is written in an easy-going style ideal for 'dipping in' on the relevant day, or even reading from cover to cover.

Buyers of the 2009 edition is not an updated copy of the previous volume, but rather a completely new book. All historical tie-ins, information and objects are completely fresh.

Unaided-eye observers are offered an opportunity to view many objects or events, learn about their history, science and how just "looking up" can be rewarding. Binocular and small telescope users will find a wealth of things to view using simple star hop instructions and finder charts. For large-aperture telescope users looking for a challenge, some of the finest deep-sky objects are detailed, with finder maps and photographs.