Deep-Sky Wonders: A Tour of the Universe with Sky and Telescope’s Sue French

Product Description

“The quality of the deep-sky images is outstanding–a tribute to the various photographers as well as the book’s printer. But it’s the written word that will make or break a book like this, and Sue’s writing is superb… [For] an occasional stargazer, a serious observer, or anyone in between, you won’t go wrong with Deep-Sky Wonders. This is a great introduction to deep-sky stargazing for novice and experienced amateur astronomers alike.” –Mercury, publication of the Astronomical Society of the Pacific
Sue French writes the popular column “Deep-Sky Wonders” for Sky and Telescope magazine and also teaches deep sky observation. She has earned a loyal following among enthusiasts and is welcomed by beginners for her skill at presenting astronomy in an understandable way. After selling 10,000 copies of Deep-Sky Wonders in hardcover, we expect a good response for this paperback edition at an accessible price.
Deep-Sky Wonders is a collection of 100 of French’s best “Deep-Sky Wonders” columns originally published in Sky and Telescope, which has a monthly readership exceeding 100,000. The book is organized by season and subdivided into months for a total of 100 in-depth tours of the deep sky. Each deep sky tour illuminates little-known seasonal wonders that lie off the beaten path.
Features include:

Full-color photographs and detailed sketches of each deep sky tour
Descriptions of double and variable stars, star clusters, nebulae, galaxies and exotics
Historical and scientific background of particular interest
A tabular listing of the deep-sky sites
Color charts showing the position of each target in the night sky
An index to all of the deep-sky objects covered.

Deep-Sky Wonders also features a variety of challenging objects that encourage observers to test the limits of their equipment and skills. Suitable for beginner and intermediate small-scope astronomers as well as large-scope viewers and astrophotographers, this book will be greeted enthusiastically by all Sky and Telescope readers. It is also an outstanding introduction to deep-sky viewing for novice observers.

Review

[Review of hardcover edition:] [Sue French’s] extensive knowledge of the subject is showcased in these 100 detailed tours, including color photographs, descriptions of objects such as stars and clusters and galaxies, historical and scientific background, color charts, and more. The detailed but very readable content is organized by seasons and then by month…. Obscure but interesting astronomical tidbits…are presented with instructions on how to locate the object…. Star maps, a list of additional resources, and an index round out this outstanding book, which is of use to students, both those new to astronomy as well as experienced observers. (Denise A. Garofalo
American Reference Books Annual 2012 2012-04-01)

[Review of hardcover edition:] French…is well regarded for having extensive knowledge on the subject [and] conveying this in a very readable and easy-to-understand way. (Nicky Gutridge
Astronomy Now 2012-10-01)

[Review of hardcover edition:] Highly recommended for anyone interested in deep sky astronomy–it makes for a beautiful and informative read. (
Astronomy Now 2012-04-01)

[Review of hardcover edition:] [French] conveys her enthusiasm for viewing planetary nebulae, constellations, stars, the Milky Way, and galaxies beyond our home. (
Book News 2012-12-01)

[Review of hardcover edition:] A very good guide by an experienced observer and planetarium teacher. Although the book can be used as a reference for beginners, its primary audience is likely to be midlevel and advanced observers. Recommended for all readers who want to take a look at the night sky. (Jack W. Weigel, Ann Arbor, MI
Library Journal 2012-02-01)

[Review of hardcover edition:] A very good guide by an experienced observer and planetarium teacher. Although the book can be used as a reference for beginners, its primary audience is l