RECOMMENDED!

Planisphere 51½º (Philip's) - £8.99

Invaluable means of finding out what stars and constellations are visible at any date and time from the UK. Sturdy plastic, 29 cm diameter. Comes complete with full instructions for use, sunrise and sunset times and planetary positions.

RECOMMENDED!

2012 and 2013 Solar Eclipses with Transit of Venus - £6.99

Witnessing a solar eclipse can be one of the most moving experiences on Earth for those lucky enough to be in the right place at the right time. In 2012, a total eclipse starts in Australia’s Northern Territory and crosses Queensland before disappearing over the Pacific, while June of the same year also sees the extremely rare Transit of Venus, where the planet can be seen moving across the face of the Sun, and is at least partly visible from several regions of the world. Depending on your location, during the hybrid (annular-total) eclipse of November 2013 you may see the Sun totally eclipsed by the Moon; locations within totality include the central and eastern Atlantic Ocean, Gabon, Congo, Uganda, Kenya, Ethiopia and Somalia. Experienced eclipse traveller and observer Sheridan Williams brings us a guide packed with maps, information on weather conditions, photography tips and health and safety advice. It is an invaluable companion for budding eclipse-chasers, helping you choose your setting, take memorable images and protect your eyes during totality. Softcover - 50 pages

RECOMMENDED!

Astronomy Starter Pack (Philip's) - £14.99

Philip's Astronomy Starter Pack is an exciting new starter pack suitable for use in the Northern Hemisphere, containing three essential items to introduce the beginner to the fascinating hobby of astronomy: Philip's Glow-in-the-Dark Planisphere: This brand-new planisphere has been specially made so that, after being held under a bright light, the stars and the names and shapes of the constellations will glow in the dark for a period. It is both a fun and practical starfinder for identifying the stars and constellations visible on any night of the year from the UK, Northern Europe and Canada (51.5 degrees North); the star map is drawn by the well-known celestial cartographer Wil Tirion. A sheet explaining how to use the planisphere is included in the pack. Philip's Exploring Stars and Planets: A colourful and entertaining introduction to the exciting world of astronomy, this 80-page paperback is illustrated with more than 200 colour photographs, artworks and maps, as the author Ian Ridpath describes the latest developments in the fast-moving fields of space exploration and astronomy. Concise chapters introduce the Sun, the Earth and all the other planets in our Solar System. Then, moving further into space, the author examines the stars and galaxies, and explores the origin of the Universe. Philip's Solar System Poster: A large attractive folded wall chart (580 x 870mm) illustrating the planets and other bodies in the Solar System, with informative text and tables by Ian Ridpath.

Cataclysmic Cosmic Events and How To Observe Them - £19.99

By Martin Mobberley. This book invites you to observe the most spectacular, high-energy events taking place in the cosmos. Even though these events may occur hundreds, thousands, millions or even billions of light-years away, you can witness them using the naked eye, binoculars, or telescopes. The book covers cataclysmic variable stars (CV’s), novae and dwarf novae, recurrent novae, solar flares, flare stars and prominences as well as the more distant supernovae, hypernovae, blazars, quasars, and gamma ray bursters. There are also sections on photometry, equipment, and software as well as many valuable observing tips based on the author’s own experience viewing these events. For the amateur astronomer who is ready to leave the confines of the Solar System and look out into deep space, this book offers a variety of exciting challenges and suggestions enabling you to contribute real scientific data on high energy outbursts and cataclysmic cosmic events with just your backyard telescope and a bit of know-how. Softcover - 240 pages

Jupiter and How to Observe It - £19.99

By John McAnally. Jupiter is one of the most spectacular observing targets for amateur astronomers. There are various books about observing the planets, and several about Jupiter itself, but this is the only book to deal with the giant planet - its formation, structure, and incredible physics - as well as with the practical aspects of observation of the planet and its moons. The concept of the book - and of the series - is to present an up-to-date detailed physical and astrophysical description (part one); and then (part two) to consider how best to observe and image the giant planet. Jupiter and How to Observe It is a mine of information for all levels of amateur observers, from the beginning to the experienced, and will be fascinating reading for all practical amateur astronomers. Softcover - 217 pages

Messier Card - £5.00

This quick-reference sky chart shows the location of all 109 Messier objects on the front and tabulates their coordinates, sizes, and visual magnitudes on the back. Printed on synthetic material to protect against moisture and wear. A4 size

The Moon and How to Observe It - £19.99

By Peter Grego. This revolutionary new book is written for practical amateur astronomers who not only want to observe, but want to know the details of exactly what they are looking at. The Moon is the most commonly observed of all astronomical objects. This is the first book to deal equally with the Moon itself - its formation, geology, and history - as well as the practical aspects of observation. The concept of the book - and of the series - is to present an up-to-date detailed description of the Moon, including its origins, history, and geology (part one); and then (part two) to consider how best to observe and record it successfully using commercially-available equipment. The Moon and How to Observe It is a mine of information for all levels of amateur observers, from the beginner to the experienced Softcover - 276 pages

Moon Map (Philip's) - £6.99

By Peter Grego. This large-format map shows more than 500 physical features - craters, seas, mountain ranges, peaks, valleys and rilles and the landing sites of unmanned and manned spacecraft. There are tips on observation, explanations of the moons phases, and a small map of the dark side of the moon. Further Detail This large-format map is drawn by Dr John Murray, a research lecturer at the Open University. More than 500 physical features - craters, seas, mountain ranges, peaks, valleys and rilles (elongated depressions) - are named and indexed, and the landing sites of unmanned and manned spacecraft are also marked. The observer can thus readily identify objects seen through binoculars or telescope, or pick targets for a programme of observation. The chart includes a small map of the far side of the moon, never visible from the Earth. The map is accompanied by a practical guide to lunar observation, describing the various types of feature to observe, illustrated with drawings and photographs. Tips are given on the best point in the lunar cycle to observe the most interesting of these features. Guidelines on drawing or photographing the moon are also included. Colour artworks explain the moon's orbit and why its phase changes during the course of month. Also explained, with the help of illustrations, are the path of the moon during the course of the year, and why lunar and solar eclipses occur.

Observing Variable Stars - £35.99

By Gerry Good. Observing variable stars is one of the major contributions amateur astronomers make to science. There are 36,000 variable stars listed in the General Catalogue of Variable Stars, so it is clearly impossible for the limited number of professional observatories to target even the majority of them. That's where amateur astronomers come in - thousands of them turning their telescopes to the sky every night. Variable star observing is the most popular of "real science" activities for amateurs, and Gerry Good's book provides everything needed. The first part of the book provides a highly detailed account of the various classes of variable star, with examples, illustrations and physical descriptions. The second section covers practical aspects of observing, everything from preparation and planning, through observing techniques, to data management and reduction. Softcover - 274 pages

Patrick Moore: The Autobiography - £7.99

Throughout his distinguised career, Patrick Moore has, without a doubt, done more to raise the profile of astronomy amoung the British public than any other figure in the scientific world.As the presenter of The Sky at Night on BBC television for nearly 50 years he was honoured with an OBE in 1968 and a CBE in 1988. In 2001 he was knighted 'for services to the popularisation of science and to broadcasting'. The BBC first aired The Sky at Night in April 1957 and it is now in the record books as the world's longest running TV series with the same presenter. He is also the author of over 60 books on astronomy, all of which, including his autobiography have been written on his 1908 typewriter. Partly thanks to his larger-than-life personality, Sir Patrick's own fame extends far beyond astronomical circles. A self-taught musician and talented composer, he has displayed his xylophone-playing skills at the Royal Variety Performance and as a passionate supporter of cricket, he has played for the Lord's Taverners charity cricket team. Softcover - 276 pages

Astronomy Dictionary (Philip's) - £9.99

This is a completely updated new edition of this comprehensive A - Z dictionary, covering all aspects of astronomy. Written in a style that is both interesting and accessible, it is an invaluable reference source for all fans of astronomy, whether active observers or armchair enthusiasts. It contains more than 1,000 entries, ranging from aberration and ablation to Zond and Zwicky, and is illustrated with 250 colour photographs, diagrams, and tables. Softcover - 240 pages

Moonwatch (Philip's) - £12.99

This pack for the amateur moonwatcher contains three items to help the beginner learn his or her way around the natural satellite. A practical guide for moonwatchers features a day-by-day diary based on the progress of the terminator (the boundary of light and darkness at each phase of the moon). It also offers clear advice on choosing and using equipment, methods of recording observations and recording eclipses. The pack contains a large-format map of the near-side of the moon, drawn by Dr John Murrat - a research lecturer at the Opn University. More than 500 physical features are labelled and indexed. The map is accompanied by a guide to lunar observing with drawings and photographs. A map of the far side of the moon is also included. An A1 size moon poster features a series of photographs of the moon as it passes through its phases during the course of a month. These images were taken by H.J.P. Arnold - a highly respected astrophotographer. Total value £20.97

Night Sky Atlas (Philip's) - £14.99

By Robin Scagell with maps by Wil Tirion. The brand new Philip's Night Sky Atlas is a highly practical atlas for observers using binoculars or a small telescope. It is an ideal choice for the back-yard astronomer, with a sturdy, damp-proof binding and pages that can be opened out flat without coming loose. Philip's Night Sky Atlas begins by presenting the whole sky in a series of six maps, showing stars down to magnitude 5.5 - all visible with binoculars or a small telescope. These maps are drawn with black stars on a white background, so that observers can pencil their own observations on to the charts, and are printed on tough paper that can withstand repeated 'rubbings out'. Opposite each map is a 'photorealistic' image which shows how the same portion of the sky appears to the naked eye. The next group of maps show the most interesting parts of the sky at a much larger scale, in 40 full-colour constellation charts, accompanied by colour photographs and drawings and a detailed explanatory text. The next section deals with the Moon and planets. A fully annotated map of the Moon is accompanied by an introductory guide to lunar observing. A map of Mars shows the major zones of the planet as they can be seen through a telescope. Photographs, drawings and tables of location data are provided for Mars and the other planets of our Solar System. The final section of the atlas provides further data on deep sky objects such as galaxies, double stars and nebulae, and includes lists of interesting targets for observation.

Pocket Star Atlas (Philip's) - £4.99

By John Cox. "The Philip's Pocket Star Atlas" is a highly practical atlas in a compact format for use out of doors. It contains a series of maps showing the entire night sky, as well as a mass of useful astronomical data. It is suitable for use anywhere in the world. This popular atlas is now in its fourth edition, for which it has been revised, updated and expanded. It presents the sky in a series of 16 maps, showing stars down to magnitude 5.5. This means all stars are visible to the naked eye in semi-rural conditions. Softcover - 64 pages

Saturn and How to Observe It - £19.99

By Julius Benton. Modern comprehensive review of the formation, astronomy, and structure of Saturn and its ring system, and observing techniques for amateurs Very latest detailed theories and physical descriptions How to observe and image the Saturn, its moon and ring, using a variety of telescope apertures and magnifications Softcover - 189 pages

Setting Up A Small Observatory - £19.99

By David Arditti. Every amateur astronomer who is considering a purpose-built observatory will find this book absolutely invaluable during both the planning and the construction stages. Drawing on David Arditti’s practical experience and that of many other amateur astronomers, it gives invaluable help in making all the important decisions. To begin with, Setting up a Small Observatory addresses what you really need from an observatory, whether to build or buy, what designs you should consider, and where you should site it. Uniquely, it also considers the aesthetics of an amateur observatory: how to make it fit in with your home, garden, and yard, even disguising it as a more common garden building if necessary. There’s also a wealth of practical details for constructing and equipping your small observatory – everything from satisfying local planning laws and building codes through to making sure that your completed observatory is well-equipped, convenient, and comfortable to use. Whether you are considering a simple low-tech DIY approach to a fixed observatory, or aspiring to a sophisticated domed building, there is something here for you. Softcover - 240 pages

Solar System Observer Pack - £12.99

Contains three essential items for solar systemobserving: Solar System Observer's Guide, Solar System Phenomena and Solar System Chart.

Star Clusters and How to Observe Them - £22.00

By Mark Allison. Star Clusters and How to Observe Them is a mine of information for all levels of amateur observers, from beginners to experienced observers. It begins with a detailed yet easily assimilated description of star clusters, how they were formed as our Milky Way galaxy evolved, and how they are classified. The latest research has revealed a vast amount of fascinating information about the clusters, along with some spectacular photographs. Modern commercially-made telescopes enable amateur astronomers to see a surprising amount of detail, and to record – using CCD cameras, video, webcams or even film – some remarkably beautiful and detailed images. There is detailed information on using refractors, reflectors, SCT’s (like Meade and Celestron) and computer-controlled telescopes The book includes an Observing List cataloguing star clusters to be observed or imaged using a variety of different instruments, all of them available commercially to amateur astronomers Softcover - 212 pages

Stargazing with Binoculars (Philip's) - £8.99

By Robin Scagell and David Frydman. This is the book for anyone who wants to use their binoculars to study the stars. Even if you've no idea which star is which, it tells you how to learn the sky so that you can begin finding objects with your binoculars. The star maps can be used throughout the world, in both northern and southern hemispheres. You'll be surprised how much you can see even through basic binoculars, once you know where to look. So there are lists of objects that can be viewed month by month, with actual descriptions of what they look like through binoculars. Specially drawn maps show you how to find the objects once you have picked out the basic constellations. And we don't just tell you – we use drawings actually made using binoculars of deep-sky objects such as nebulae and galaxies so you know what to expect. Many objects in the solar system, from the Moon to comets, are spectacular through binoculars, and these are covered as well. And of course there are chapters that tell you how to choose and use binoculars, and what the technical terms mean.

Stargazing with a Telescope (Philip's) - £8.99

By Robin Scagell. Discusses what to expect from a telescope and how to choose the right one. This book offers explanations of how they work and how to progress from first-time user to hobby observer. It also offers practical help for setting up and using different telescopes, and provides lists of objects to look at with different sizes of telescopes.

The Sun and How to Observe It - £21.99

By Jamie Jenkins. Without the Sun, all life on Earth would perish. But what exactly do we know about this star that lights, heats, and powers Earth? Actually, we know quite a lot, thanks mainly to a host of eager solar observers. Looking directly at the Sun is EXTREMELY hazardous. But many astronomers, both professional and amateur, have found ways to view the Sun safely to learn about it. You, too, can view the Sun in all of its glorious detail. Some of the newest, most exciting telescopes on the market are affordable to amateur astronomers or even just curious sky watchers, and with this guide to what the Sun has to offer, including sunspots, prominences, and flares, plus reviews of the latest instruments for seeing and capturing images of the Sun, you can contribute to humankind’s knowledge of this immense ball of glowing gases that gives us all life. Softcover - 210 pages

Stargazer - £10.99

This excellent starter pack contains three essential items to get the beginner started on the fascinating hobby of astronomy: "Philip's Star Chart": the stars of the night sky in three superb colour maps; "Philip's Planisphere": pinpoints the stars and constellations visible on any night of the year; and "Philip's Guide to the Northern Constellations": an introduction to the stars and constellations. Total Value £17.48

Turn Left at Orion - £22.99

By Guy Consolmagno and Dan M.Davis. A guidebook for beginning amateur astronomers, Turn Left at Orion provides all the information you need to observe the Moon, the planets and a whole host of celestial objects. Large format diagrams show these objects exactly as they appear in a small telescope and for each object there is information on the current state of our astronomical knowledge. Revised and updated, this new edition contains a chapter describing spectacular deep sky objects visible from the southern hemisphere, and tips on observing the upcoming transits of Venus. It also includes a discussion of Dobsonian telescopes, with hints on using personal computers and the internet as aids for planning an observing session. Unlike many guides to the night sky, this book is specifically written for observers using small telescopes. Clear and easy-to-use, this fascinating book will appeal to skywatchers of all ages and backgrounds. No previous knowledge of astronomy is needed. Spiral Bound - 256 pages

Uranus, Neptune and Pluto and How to Observe Them - £19.99

By Richard Schmude. This book tells the story of two giants and a dwarf. The giants, Uranus and Neptune, are mostly huge balls of gas, and they make their home in the remotest reaches of the Solar System. The dwarf, Pluto, which can usually be found even farther out than the two giants, was always small, but up until a short while ago, it enjoyed the same status as the other planets, a full-fledged member of the Solar System. Today, Pluto has been re-classified as a "dwarf planet." In this clear and succinct overview of the current research on these remote Solar System objects, Richard Schmude, Jr., tells us what facts we do know about these faraway entities, what we are seeking to know, and also how to observe them for yourself, using commercially available telescopes. He also explains why Pluto was re-classified and what it means, exactly, to be a dwarf planet. Intrigued by these objects since boyhood, Schmude has compiled a loving tribute to them, if not making them warm and fuzzy, at least making them seem less remote and bringing them into our current frame of reference, giving them personality and revealing their worth in our understanding of the structure and nature of the Solar System in which we live. Softcover - 232 pages

Venus and Mercury and How to Observe Them - £19.99

By Peter Grego. Mercury and Venus - known as the "inferior planets" because they are closer to the Sun than the Earth is - have always been regarded as difficult and even dangerous targets for amateur astronomers. Recent advances in commercially-made instruments have, however, brought them within range of only moderately experienced observers, and certainly Mercury and Venus are by no means inferior in terms of visual delights, observing challenges...and mystery. Venus and Mercury and How to Observe Them offers a wealth of detailed practical information on every aspect of observing, from safely targeting the two planets, through visual observing, to sketching and electronic imaging. This is of course much more than a book about observing. We now know a lot more of the origin and evolution of Mercury and Venus, and Peter Grego describes the most recent theories of their probable formation, geology, and history. Not only does this include a lot about the surface of the planets, but also their internal structure, magnetic fields, and atmospheres. Softcover - 262 pages

A Walk Through the Heavens - £12.99

By Milton D. Helfetz and Wil Tirion. What star is that? Where is the Great Bear? A Walk through the Heavens is a beautiful and easy-to-use guide to the constellations of the northern hemisphere. By following the unique simplified maps, readers will be able to easily find and identify the constellations and the stars within them. Ancient myths and legends of the sky are retold, adding to the mystery of the stars. Written for the complete beginner, this practical guide introduces the patterns of the starry skies in a memorable way. No equipment is needed, apart from normal sight and clear skies. Softcover - 96 pages

Astronomy with Small Telescopes - £29.99

By Stephen F Tonkin. Small telescopes have a lot to recommend them. Cost is of course a consideration, but their most positive feature is sheer portability. Some manufacturers have tried to make large telescopes more portable (with mixed success), but the opposite approach, that of making small telescopes more effective, is what this book is all about. Good 2-inch (60mm) telescopes are now available for beginners, and major American manufacturers now offer small, affordable computer-controlled instruments that are capable of superb results. Stephen Tonkin has gathered the experience of users of small telescopes to provide an insight into just what is possible - for newcomers to astronomy or experienced observers who simply want to use a small, really portable telescope. Softcover - 157 pages

Astrophotography for the Amateur - £33.00

By Michael Covington. This much expanded and fully updated edition of the best-selling handbook Astrophotography for the Amateur provides a complete guide to taking pictures of stars, galaxies, the Moon, the Sun, comets, meteors and eclipses, using equipment and materials readily available to the hobbyist. In this new edition, the book has been completely revised and now includes new chapters on computer image processing and CCD imaging; expanded advice on choosing cameras and telescopes; completely updated information about the films; a much larger bibliography; and hundreds of new photographs (in colour, and black and white) demonstrating the latest equipment and techniques. Astrophotography for the Amateur has become the standard handbook for all amateur astronomers. This expanded and updated edition provides an ideal introduction for beginners and a complete handbook for advanced amateurs. It will also appeal to photography enthusiasts who can discover how to take spectacular images with only modest equipment. Softcover - 331 pages

Atlas of the Universe (Philip's) - £25.00

This edition contains many new features, from explanations of dark matter and neutrinos to techniques of digital observing and photography. As well as giving an informative portrait of each element of the cosmos, the book provides superb star maps and sound advice on practical observing, making it an ideal choice for newcomers to astronomy. Sir Patrick's narrative is supremely clear, absorbing and entertaining, as he recounts the history of space exploration, describes the Solar System, stars and galaxies, and explains the latest theories on the origins of the Universe.This book is illustrated with hundreds of maps and diagrams, plus Sir Patrick's own selection of the best photographs from ground-based telescopes and the Hubble Space Telescope, along with spectacular images from nearly four decades of robotic exploration of the planets. Highlights of this new edition include an explanation of the extraordinary concepts that have shaken our picture of the Universe - dark matter and dark energy, as well as new strands of science that have emerged in recent years such as astrobiology and neutrino astronomy. An expanded practical section reflects the new era in amateur astronomy - affordable high-quality cameras and telescopes, computer control and image-processing have made astronomy accessible to millions of new enthusiasts. Hardcover - 288 pages

Caldwell Card - £5.00

Modeled after our popular Messier Card, this handy observing aid charts the location of all 109 Caldwell objects on one side and tabulates the positions (2000.0), sizes, and apparent magnitudes of the objects on the other side. Laminated finish protects it against moisture and wear. A4 size

Deep Sky Video Astronomy - £22.99

By Massey & Quirk. Need a concise guide to using modern video cameras for deep-sky viewing and imaging with the kinds of modest telescopes available commercially to amateur astronomers? Here it is. In this book you are given the basics of this highly efficient technology, which is already beginning to compete with astronomical cooled-chip CCD cameras in quality and ease of use. Much of the book focuses on the practical side of creating beautiful and detailed astronomical portraits using image-stacking software and picture enhancement tools. There are sections on how to create color images using a black-and-white camera. There are also reviews of accessories, including focal reducers, Barlow lenses, and optical filters, that can be used to achieve a particular result. Finally, step-by-step examples will show you how to achieve your own kind of magic – amazing deep-sky video portraits! So turn your passion for the beauty of the night sky into a hobby that can show off your skills to their greatest advantage. You’ll never look at the stars the same way again! Softcover - 185 pages

Exploring the Night Sky with Binoculars - £20.99

On a clear, starry night, the jewelled beauty and unimaginable immensity of our universe is awe-inspiring. Star-gazing with binoculars is rewarding and may begin a lifelong hobby! Patrick Moore has painstakingly researched Exploring the Night Sky with Binoculars to describe how to use binoculars for astronomical observation. He explains basic astronomy and the selection of binoculars, then discusses the stars, clusters, nebulae and galaxies that await the observer. The sky seen from both the northern and southern hemispheres is charted season by season, with detailed maps of all the constellations. The reader can also observe the Sun, Moon, planets, comets and meteors. With many beautiful illustrations, this handbook will be helpful and encouraging to casual observers and those cultivating a more serious interest. The enjoyment of amateur astronomy is now available to everybody. Softcover - 213 pages

Galileo and 400 Years of Telescopic Astronomy - £26.99

By Peter Grego and David Mannion. Imagine yourself living 400 years ago, right before the telescope was first used by Galileo to look up into the skies and find unforeseen wonders. You probably believed, with most of the known world, that Earth was at the center of the magnificent parade of planets and stars above you, and the Sun�s purpose in journeying across the sky was to give Earth daylight and warmth. Suddenly, though, your world is turned upside down. The Church, all powerful in its doctrines and teachings of the times, continues to support theories that don�t fit the facts presented by scientists. Scientists in their quest for truth must hide their findings or risk the harsh penalties imposed by the Church. We have gone from a comforting Earth-centered universe to a tiny floating spec in a gigantic cosmos, barely a comma in a lengthy treatise. And we have gone there in a blink of an eye. We may have lost our central position in the universe, but Grego and Mannion show us how much we have gained in understanding the universe around us. And we are only at the beginning of our journey. Their words help us to discover our place again and how we got there and what we might expect to learn in the centuries to come. Softcover - 300 pages

Guide to Stars and Planets (Philip's) - £9.99

This is a new edition of Sir Patrick Moore's practical and popular "Guide to Stars and Planets". This latest edition has been updated with new information from the Cassini mission to Saturn and the Huygens lander on Titan, the Mars Express orbiter and the Spirit and Opportunity rovers on Mars' surface, and Deep Impact's encounter with a comet. Philip's "Guide to Stars and Planets" provides all the information you need to study the night sky with the naked eye, binoculars or a telescope. It includes a detailed Moon map and a complete atlas of the constellations, and is suitable for observers in both the northern and southern hemispheres. A straightforward and comprehensive handbook, it opens with chapters on the Moon, the Sun, the planets, the stars and galaxies, as well as information on astrophotography, telescopes and an explanation of the apparent movement of the night sky. The second section of the book comprises a full set of constellation maps, created by renowned celestial cartographer Wil Tirion. The book concludes with a comprehensive glossary, and timelines of astronomy and space exploration. Softcover - 256 pages

How to Observe the Sun Safely - £23.99

By Lee Macdonald. The Sun is the closest star to Earth, and the only one we can observe in any sort of detail. As such it is a fascinating field of study. It also has the practical advantage, unlike every other astronomical object, of being visible in the daytime! After an introduction to the Sun as a star, the book concentrates entirely on practical aspects for amateur observers: the equipment needed, how to set it up, how to record observations, and how to image the Sun with conventional or digital cameras. Softcover - 176 pages

Wonders of the Solar System - £19.99

In Wonders of the Solar System – the book of the acclaimed BBC TV series – Professor Brian Cox will take us on a journey of discovery where alien worlds from your imagination become places we can see, feel and visit. The Wonders of the Solar System – from the giant ice fountains of Enceladus to the liquid methane seas of Titan and from storms twice the size of the Earth to the tortured moon of Io with its giant super-volcanoes – is the Solar System as you have never seen it before. In this series, Professor Brian Cox will introduce us to the planets and moons beyond our world, finding the biggest, most bizarre, most powerful natural phenomena. Using the latest scientific imagery along with cutting edge CGI and some of the most spectacular and extreme locations on Earth, Brian will show us Wonders never thought possible. Employing his trademark clear, authoritative, yet down-to-earth approach, Brian will explore how these previously unseen phenomena have dramatically expanded our horizons with new discoveries about the planets, their moons and how they came to be the way they are. Hardcover - 256 pages

Dark Skies Map (Philip's) - £6.99

Philip's Dark Skies Map shows the visibility of stars from any location in Britain and Ireland. Stargazing can be frustrating where visibility is affected by street lights and other light pollution - use this map to find your nearest dark site or to avoid areas where light pollution will reduce your chances of seeing faint galaxies and other deep-sky objects. The underlying road mapping will allow you to plan a route to your chosen site. The map has been created using data from the Light Pollution Science and Technology Institute in Italy, carefully combined with a Philip's road map (scale 20 miles to 1 inch). Different colours represent different levels of light pollution, and this information has been superimposed over the road map.