Guidebook to the Constellations: Telescopic Sights, Tales, and Myths

Guidebook to the Constellations offers a practical and engaging introduction to all 88 officially recognized constellations and the fascinating stories that connect them. Rather than treating each constellation in isolation, P. Simpson groups them according to their origins and positions in the sky, using mythology, history, and astronomy to make the night sky easier to understand and remember.

The book combines these stories with plenty of practical observing information. It explains how to find each constellation, the origins and pronunciation of constellation and star names, and highlights a wide selection of telescopic objects ranging from easy targets to challenging sights requiring larger instruments.

Detailed finder charts, photographs, object locator maps, and constellation diagrams help observers navigate the sky and identify its treasures. Each constellation also includes a selection of deep-sky and other telescopic objects, with information such as coordinates, object type, apparent size and brightness, together with guidance on the telescope aperture needed for a good view.

With its combination of mythology, practical observing advice, detailed charts, and extensive object information, Guidebook to the Constellations is a valuable reference for amateur astronomers who want to become more familiar with the night sky and discover the objects hidden within each constellation.