Astronomical Society of the Pacific. The Total Skywatcher’s Manual: 275+ Skills and Tricks for Exploring Stars, Planets, and Beyond. Weldon Owen International. 2015. 272p. illus. bibliog. index. ISBN 9781616288716. pap. $29. SCI

Published by the Astronomical Society of the Pacific, an organization with more than 125 years of experience, this manual will benefit astronomers at any level of expertise. Sturdy and portable, the guide consists of 298 useful tips organized into three categories: naked-eye astronomy, telescopes and other tools, and advanced techniques. The first group instructs users on creative ways to locate specific stars, constellations, and planets, such as skyhopping, the method of using known stars to find other celestial objects. It also includes numerous charts and helpful tools that can be constructed out of simple materials. The second section provides guidance on using telescopes and binoculars and how to properly care for them. With the right equipment, amateur astronomers can see the surface features of the moon, the rings of Saturn, distant nebulas and galaxies, and much more. The third category covers information about the world’s greatest observatories, deep-space discoveries, such as the Hand of God Nebula, and the search for extraterrestrial life. Enhanced by gorgeous photos and colorful diagrams, this excellent volume will encourage users to “engage with and appreciate the extraordinary laboratory unfolding” above them. VERDICT Highly recommended for persons interested in exploring and gaining knowledge about the night sky. Science teachers will also find it a useful classroom resource.

Hislop, Susanna (text) & Hannah Waldron (illus.). Stories in the Stars: An Atlas of Constellations. Penguin. 2015. 224p. illus. index. ISBN 9780143128137. $30; ebk. ISBN 9780698197909. SCI

To clear up confusion in the scientific world, the International Astronomical Union (IAU) formalized the 88 modern constellations in 1922. Commissioned by the IAU in 1930 Belgian astronomer Eugène Delporte finished the definitive map of the constellations and their official boundaries. Writer and astronomy lover Hislop explores all 88 constellations and artfully tells their stories in this singular book. Naturally, many of the accounts originate from Greco-Roman mythology; however, the author also includes elements from a wide range of ancient cultures, including Persia, India, China, and Egypt. Some have more contemporary roots, such as those of ­Fornax (“the Furnace”) and Antlia (“the Air Pump”). Hislop’s narratives are absorbing and often humorous, and several are “told” by the constellations themselves (Andromeda’s tale is especially entertaining). Accompanying each description is an illustration of each respective constellation by international artist Waldron. Drawn in white on a dark blue background within Delporte’s boundaries, Waldron’s illustrations are simple yet striking, a perfect complement to the delightful written pieces. While not an atlas in the literal sense, this book is a fun and fascinating examination of the cosmos. ­VERDICT This accessible and engrossing title is recommended for those interested in astronomy, mythology, art, or history.

Lowe, Stuart & Chris North. Cosmos: The Infographic Book of Space. Aurum: Quarto. 2015. 224p. illus. notes. bibliog. ISBN 9781781314500. $34.99. SCI

The universe is virtually impossible to fathom owing to its immense size, extreme temperatures, and vast time spans. In this terrific work, astrophysicists Lowe (formerly Las Cumbres Observatory Global Telescope Network) and North (Cardiff Univ.) help to make the cosmos more comprehensible. By using infographics to present the universe in a visual manner, the authors provide an enormous amount of information on every page. Colorful and informative, the images are organized into major themes, including space exploration, the solar system, the sun, stars, and galaxies. All provide the most up-to-date knowledge, including recent discoveries such as exoplanets (more than 1,800, all discovered since 1989) and the distant objects of the Kuiper Belt. Many will leave readers awestruck, such as the infographic of Giant Stars. The sun, with a mass 330,000 times than that of the Earth, appears minute when compared with red giants such as UY Scuti and Betelgeuse. Overall, Lowe and North succeed brilliantly in showcasing the universe and in providing a better understanding of its scope and processes. VERDICT An enjoyable and informative read that will appeal to anyone with an interest in the cosmos or for those who appreciate the astonishing.

Royal Observatory, Greenwich. Astronomy Photographer of the Year: Prize-Winning Images by Top Astrophotographers. Firefly. 2015. 288p. photos. ISBN 9781770854734. $39.95. SCI

Organized by the Royal Observatory, Greenwich, in association with BBC Sky at Night magazine, the Astronomy Photographer of the Year competition receives entries from amateur astronomers around the world. The best proposals of the competition’s first six years (2009–14) have been compiled in this beautiful book. The photographs are arranged into four categories: Earth and space, our solar system, deep space, and young astronomy photographer of the year. Each includes the winner, runner-up, and three highly commended submissions; the overall winner is then chosen from the top contender of each category and featured at the end of the book. Throughout the volume are spectacular cosmic images in fine detail and brilliant colors, such as the Milky Way, the Northern Lights, planets, galaxies, and nebulae. In addition, each photo is accompanied by the comments of the artist and the judges, information on the type of equipment used to obtain the shot, and background about the captured object. This book also features a guide to astrophotography, which includes techniques on taking photos with a telescope, using DSLR (digital single-lens reflex) lenses to take long exposures, and selecting the best digital photo imaging software. VERDICT Recommended strongly for anyone with an interest in astronomy or photography, this work would also make for a terrific coffee-table book.

Dave Pugl studied at the Graduate School of Library and Information Science, University of Illinois. He has reviewed science titles for LJ since January 2015 and is currently the Virtual Services Librarian, Ela Area Public Library, Lake Zurich, IL