Recommendations for a Newbie
If you are an astro newbie, the great news is that all you need to do to get started is to look up and start finding out about the wonders that are right above our heads.
However, it won't be long before you want to push it further. Here are a couple of pages with tips on using and buying binoculars and telescopes. Please note, I don't make any product recommendations. These pages are general guides to help you.
Below are some recommendations on books and products you might find useful. I would always advise trying to use your local book shop but if you are buying from Amazon, using the links below will help support Astrocentral. (As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases). Thank you
Turn Left at Orion
I love this book. I bought it many years ago when I first bought a telescope. It has been with me ever since. I would recommend it to anyone who has just bought a telescope (especially one with no goto device).
This book will lead you to the best sights to see in a telescope and give you clear instructions about how to find them in the night sky. Easy to use with great descriptions of what you are looking at. This should come as part of the package with ever first telescope.
It also does that really cool thing of following your knowledge, so as your experience grows the book keeps offering you more to look at. This book is an astronomy classic for a reason!
Philip's Planisphere
Lots of books have star maps in them but it can be a bit confusing about what to use on a particular night at a particular time.
With a planisphere you simply match the date and time on the outside ring and it will give you your current view of the night sky. Simple but really, really useful. This version covers British Isles, Northern Europe and North America / Canada. For those at different latitudes, you will need to search out a planisphere suitable for your location.
A Planisphere is a great addition to any astronomer's kit. I know there are also mobile apps that can help with identifying objects in the night sky but doing it yourself is a lot more fun and rewarding.
Philip's Moon Map
There's nothing better than taking an evening stroll around the moon.
Binoculars or the smallest of telescopes will allow you to go and explore the surface of the moon. Jumping from crater to crater, crossing the mares and finding where space missions have landed is always fun. Having a good moon map really helps you to explore our nearest celestial neighbour. The Philip's map is excellent and also contains loads of information about the moon. Again, I think a good moon map is a very valuable addition to every astronomers kit.
A big thumbs up from me.
2026 Guide to the Night Sky
This book is a little different. It is year specific.
It will give you a monthly guide to what is going on in the night sky. It is directed at Britain and Ireland but is practical for anyone between 40 degrees and 60 degrees latitude which like the planisphere will include northern Europe and most of North America / Canada.
What I like most about this book is keeping track of the planets, which month is the best time to view them and where they will be. For instance it is easy to miss those few elusive days when Mercury is visible and also helps track Uranus and Neptune.
This book makes a great Christmas present. If you have an astronomer in your life, this makes a great gift. If you are the astronomer in the house then start dropping hints. This book is far better than a five pack of socks!
Space Race
It was reading this book that inspired me to write my extremely truncated version of the Space Race.
What I love about this book is that, although it is essentially a history book, it reads like a really gripping novel. Once you start it, you just have to keep going.
Also, it genuinely looks at the space race from both the American and the Soviet sides.
A really excellent read for anyone who has an interest in what humans can achieve when we push each other along.
The Hitch-Hikers Guide to the Galaxy
WARNING: This is not an astronomy book, this is fiction.
I simply couldn't recommend a bunch of books without including this one. Hitch-hikers is one of my favourite books. It is left field, funny, clever and just a great piece of science fiction absurdity. It is a pop-culture classic and is a timeless gem of a story.
All I can say is this. If you are only going to read one book that discusses the merits of Vogon poetry, make it The Hitch-Hikers Guide to the Galaxy.
Enjoy and