Field Guide to the Night Sky

National Audubon Society Field Guides

by Mark R. Chartrand, National Audubon Society, Jane Friedman

The most comprehensive field guide available to the fabulous mysteries above--a must-have for any enthusiast's day pack or home library--from the go-to reference source for over 18 million nature lovers.

The National Audubon Society Field Guide to the Night Sky  provides a concise guided tour of the heavens, from planets in our solar system to the constellations in both the Northern and Southern hemispheres, stars, galaxies, astronomical bodies, phenomena, comets, and more. Featuring a durable vinyl binding, over 700 full-color photographs, sky charts, and constellation charts, as well as detailed descriptive text, this comprehensive, easy-to-use field guide is the perfect companion volume for any stargazer.

Genres: Reference, Science, Nonfiction, Astronomy, Nature, Field Guides, Space

716 pages, Turtleback

First published October 15, 1991

Reviews

[Erik B.K.K. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very informative, but a bit outdated in some parts (solar eclipse predictions and comet sightings to be precise - not that hindering.

[Erik · Rating 5 out of 5]

I stumbled upon this in a thrift shop on vacation a few years ago and this quickly became my favorite resource to bring for stargazing, both when either using a telescope or the naked eye. I carry this around for the skymaps, mythology, figuring out names of moon craters, and for visualizing the objects that I am looking at with the slates. Previously, I always had a laptop open with Stellarium which was cumbersome and made it impossible to get the eyes dark adapted. This book helps me actually learn more about the sky and seasons to become more self-reliant, instead of just searching for the object I want to in Stellarium and looking there. Highly recommended.

[Frank A · Rating 4 out of 5]

I purchased this book in May 2021 at a National Park. I selected this book from among many other astronomy books on the shelves because it seemed to have the most detailed information. It is also very compact, small enough to carry in a backpack or in a car's glove box.

Before I saw this book on the shelf, I had no idea that the Audubon Society publishes field guides on many other topics besides birds. Now I know, and am now interested in several of their other field guides.

This book was copyrighted in 1991. It states that this is the 26th printing, March 2021. However, the book wasn't updated with the latest information. Much of the data in the appendices is outdated, such as all dates for lunar and solar eclipses. The data in the appendices are for astronomical events occurring in 2013 through 2020. And a bit of the main text is outdated as well. For example, Comet NEOWISE's naked eye appearance in 2020; and the orbiting of, and subsequent landing upon, Comet 67P/Churyumov–Gerasimenko in 2014, are not included in this book. Comet Hale-Bopp's 1997 appearance Is mentioned in the text and included in photos however.

Aside from the missing current information, this book is a great reference. Every person who is interested in viewing and learning about the night sky, and astronomy in general, should carry a copy of this, or a similar, book inside their backpack or car.

(As companions to this book, I purchased a planisphere for my latitude, and sets of small cards that have depictions of how the 88 official constellations look, according to an artist's imagination, to better help my mind connect the dots when I look up at the night sky. Don't forget red light headlamps with adjustable brightness.)

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is proving very helpful in making the most of my telescope. The studio in Maine provides a beautifully clear and light clutter free night sky. Now that I can see the stars, I very much enjoy knowing what it is I am looking at.

[Rie Drayce · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an excellent resource, full of great information and facts. The only problem is that it is outdated on information about the number of planet satellites and the current status of Pluto as a planet. This is with the December 2014 printing, so it should have been updated by now.

[MrsQ · Rating 5 out of 5]

An anthropological guide to the universe, a book to be savoured-I like to read a few pages at a time-deep thoughts before going to bed.

[William Baumeister]

An excellent reference at a glance for things like quick definitions and star charts, as well as thorough information on dozens upon dozens of objects.

[Connor Lockhart · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent Guide, I would recommend all interested in hobby star gazing to detach themselves from using phone aids etc to locate objects simply because they are too good. If the phone or computer shows you exactly what you are looking for then the skills of finding it yourself become harder to acquire. For this purpose, this book is an excellent way to familiarize oneself with navigating the night sky. 4/5 stars only because even though this is an updated printing, the data in the appendices is not updated for years past 2020.

[Stasia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I remember it well... I was 14. Obsessed with astronomy. Dabbling as an amateur in our city back yard trying to view Venus and Mars from my binoculars. On a trip to Cabela's, I found this book and literally drooled over it. But it was a $20 book, WAY above my price range at that age. Imagine my surprise when my dad asked if I'd like to have it!!!!! It remains one of my cherished books to this day, and yes...I have actually read the whole thing through, cover to cover.

[Ishita · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really informative but there's a lot of information to sink in! Some concepts are also advanced, telling me that this book isn't for beginner astronomers. Still a good read for those who want to expand their knowledge further!

[Sherrie Dux-Ideus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ready reference for star viewing. Very helpful and useful.

[Trisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful reference book. I've owned it since I was a child.

[Trevor Denton · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great little (and very thorough) reference book for anyone who wishes to be more familiar with the general aspects of astronomy. Loved it.

[Chris K · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not much of a read, but for something that can be so easily replaced by a phone app, these Audubon guides certainly stand out with their vibrant images and excellent descriptions.

[Lindsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Is another good book because it is filled with lots of info and pictures.

[Kellie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love astronomy. It would have been my occupation of choice had the math required not made want to throw myself in front of a train.

[Robert · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great guide

[Clark · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great, however superceded by technology.

[keereads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is a great book to read