StarFinder for Beginners

Recently retired with a lot of time on my hands I bought myself a telescope, (i often do things arse up) the scope was easy to use and it's have seen some wonderful sights with it, sometimes my grandchildren come to stay, and if they night is clear skies I let them stay up with me star gazing, but they have become more and more inquisitive about the constellations and guess what, granddad don't know hence the book, so far so good it's very informative and not overwhelming looking forwards to tonight hopefully the skies stay clear and i can sit out with the kids and the book and have a bit of fun, and hopefully get some great shots of the planets that will be in line tonight Feb 28th 2025 as I won't be around in another 40 years when it will happen again. I can hear you thinking he don't know the constellations how does he know were to point his telescope, simple i don't, i take the scope out press on it scans the sky works out were it is then let's me know what I can view clever bugger it is, anyhow the book is 5 star plus get one no matter your age you will love it 😉

Large (almost A4) size is perfect for the (almost page & a half) star maps. Step by step route text via the major constellations & asterisms: Plough to Leo, Orion to the Pleiades, Cassiopeia to Aries etc. while the corresponding simple to follow directions are given in easily digestible portions. Plenty of necessary repetition plus test 'find the constellations in the star maps' pages. Best beginners book I've come accross but also includes interest for improvers e.g. Aries, Canis Minor & Ophiuchus. Purchased for a 9 year old but good for adult beginners too.

Full of detailed easy to follow, pictures. Bought for a 12 year old, but need to buy another for myself!

It's easy to use, well printed and helpful for budding astronomers. It is however something that you will soon wish to go beyond as your interest expands.

Grandson liked this

Amazing book for getting a strong foundation on the night sky, I can now look up on a clear night and distinguish certain constellations instantly, and use them to find others, would recommend

I don't usually write reviews, but thought this book worthy (especially after humming and harring over alternatives) in case anyone else is 'sitting on the fence' too. As someone else has said, the layout etc does appear to be more aimed at a younger reader, but this isn't a criticism - it works well for any age at a 'beginner' level. I could only readily identify the Plough and Orion's Belt previously., but have now been shown; how to 'star-hop' to other constellations, have a good idea how and where to locate other galaxies, and have gained a little bit of knowledge of the mythology to build on. All provided in nice little 'bite-sized' bits, so not overwhelming. It may be helpful to add that the book contains four separate sections dedicated to star-hopping, assigned to the seasons. This is nice as it illustrates what you should expect to see at any given time. I have only used 'Autumn' so far, but the other sections follow the same format. I should also say that light pollution will likely play a part in what you can easily identify - looking one way I can easily now pick out Perseus, Andromeda, and part of Pegasus. But looking the other way I still struggle with Cepheus. But don't give up, it is so rewarding when it finally 'clicks'. Just make sure you pack the book if going away somewhere 'darker'! The only negative.......this could get addictive! Enjoy!

I am an amateur astronomer who was recently asked to recommend both a telescope and guide to the night sky. This was to be for an adult who had only a limited experience of the night sky, but who would not be able to find any of the constellations. I bought a few guides - this was one of them. What makes this stand out is that it gives very clear instruction on how to recognise the constellations. It does not simply stop at this stage, but also gives maps for each season and leads on to a deeper understanding of what can be seen in each destination, with explanations of what is meant by the Summer and Winter Triangles and short guides to the moon, planets and other events in the night sky. Given that this was written for younger readers I was a little hesitant to recommend it - but the recipient told me this was exactly what was needed! (He's 60!) Given the general layout of the book, its content, layout and price I think this book is an all-round essential for anyone of any age who shows an interest in the night sky - I wish it was around when I started out! (This is my own personal view of an item I have bought. I have no further connection with Amazon or the authors)