Half-Hours with the Stars / A Plain and Easy Guide to the Knowledge of the Constellations

Name: Half-Hours with the Stars / A Plain and Easy Guide to the Knowledge of the Constellations
Author: Richard A. Proctor

By Richard A. Proctor

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About This Book

A practical, beginner-oriented guide to identifying constellations using twelve star maps calibrated for observers in the United States. It explains how each circular map represents the visible hemisphere at specific dates and hours, how to orient and hold the planisphere relative to the horizon and compass, and how to find key reference stars such as the pole-star and the Big Dipper. The text describes star magnitudes, reading map symbols, scheduling observations through the year, and offers tips for timing and using simple instruments, while encouraging further study with fuller atlases and telescopes.

About the Author

Richard A. Proctor

Richard A. Proctor was a prominent 19th-century English astronomer and science writer, known for his engaging and accessible works on astronomy and scientific subjects. He authored several influential books, including "Half-Hours with the Stars," which serves as a guide to the constellations, and "Light Science for Leisure Hours," a collection of essays that explore various scientific phenomena. Proctor's writings aimed to make complex scientific concepts understandable to the general public, reflecting his passion for education and popular science. His contributions have left a lasting impact on the field of astronomy and continue to inspire curiosity about the universe.