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The Cambridge Star Atlas

The Cambridge Star Atlas

List Price: $22.95
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Product Info Reviews

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Rating: 4 stars
Summary: An excellent atlas for the amateur astronomer.
Review: Although I did find several typographic errors, (minor ones) this is an easy-to-read reference. The layout and format are perfect for my tastes, as the book functions as both an observing tool and an easy-chair companion for planning subsequent sessions. And of course, Mr. Tirion's style and credentials are unparalleled. I recommend this work to amateur astronomers on any level, from novice to veteran.

Rating: 4 stars
Summary: Compromise between Peterson's F. G. and SkyAtlas 2000
Review: Cambrigde Star Atlas fills a void for me. I have had Peterson's Field Guide for 15 years. Peterson's has lot's of interesting text info to go along with each chart, but charts are many and small. I recently got Sky Atlas Deluxe. It has great charts but no tables of info. Cambridge is a compromise. It does not show as many stars as either of the other two, but shows enough stars and a considerable number of deep sky objects, with tables accompanying each chart to show coordinates of the objects on that chart. It's not a pocket book like Peterson's, but is a good size to take outside while at the scope. Sky Atlas 2000 is to big to take outside, but is the charts I use at my desk. Cambridge will be the book that is on my little work table when I'm in a field with my scope late at night and just can't seem to find that deep sky object by star hopping. The tables provided with each chart don't list all the deep sky you want to see, but they list enough to keep you occupied.

Rating: 4 stars
Summary: Compromise between Peterson's F. G. and SkyAtlas 2000
Review: Cambrigde Star Atlas fills a void for me. I have had Peterson's Field Guide for 15 years. Peterson's has lot's of interesting text info to go along with each chart, but charts are many and small. I recently got Sky Atlas Deluxe. It has great charts but no tables of info. Cambridge is a compromise. It does not show as many stars as either of the other two, but shows enough stars and a considerable number of deep sky objects, with tables accompanying each chart to show coordinates of the objects on that chart. It's not a pocket book like Peterson's, but is a good size to take outside while at the scope. Sky Atlas 2000 is to big to take outside, but is the charts I use at my desk. Cambridge will be the book that is on my little work table when I'm in a field with my scope late at night and just can't seem to find that deep sky object by star hopping. The tables provided with each chart don't list all the deep sky you want to see, but they list enough to keep you occupied.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Your companion to the Stars.
Review: Computers too bulky, pocket books too small? This is probably one of the better books to have at your observing session and site. It makes your observing just that much easier. The pages are loaded with information that others lack. Granted the book does not include all the stars, and why would you want too? It would only add to the confusion of finding the object your really after when your out there in the dark looking at the pages under a red light! The book limits itself to the 23rd magnitude which is fine! Anything beyond that is over kill for the amatuer astronomer anyway. This book gives you the meat and potato's! Good stuff!

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Good for small telescopes
Review: Even if this atlas does not shows all the stars to magnitude 23 (!), it should keep your small telescope busy for years!

A really nice index of interesting objects faces the charts.

The monthly star charts are, on the other hand, of little use, and can be replaced by a good planisphere.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: What I have been looking for for 25 years
Review: Have been an amatuer atronomer for 25 years and this book is the best thing I have ever used. The introduction and user part of the book Is so well written that a rank beginner or a seasoned expert will understand it immediately. The star maps are simply splendid and very simple to interpret with just a little use.
Only wish it had been written years ago. The positions for galaxies, star clusters and nebulae are so precisely plotted they are very easy to find with a telescope. GOOD JOB!...

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Best wide field star atlas
Review: Having looked at all the alternatives, this is my favorite small star atlas. With each chart covering 4 hours of right ascension, this atlas lets you get oriented to the major features of a part of the sky in order to start a star-hop. It includes plenty of deep-sky objects to keep you busy.

It is *not* sufficient to show all the stars or objects you can see in a small scope - for that, you need Uranometria 2000 (also by Trion) or the Millenium Sky Atlas. But then you're talking a major investmant. In the field, I tend to use Cambridge and Uranometria - Cambridge for star-hopping in close, then Uranometria for nailing down the exact field.

By now, my copy is somewhat warped from absorbing so much dew over so many nights - but it still lies flat when opened.

As others have mentioned, the monthly charts are somewhat superfluous if you have a planisphere. Anyhow, as you learn the sky, a planisphere quickly becomes unnecessary.

Rating: 4 stars
Summary: Cool atlas
Review: I have a 4 inch apo and if you have scope like me, buy this little gem. Sky maps are just beatiful, having exactly as much info as I need. They are beautifully rendered by a master. Maps overlap generously.

Tables are above every map and they are pleasure to use. Of course there is only 912 deep sky objects, but if you have a light bucket over 10" you need an atlas at least as heavy as your scope:) For me it is more than enough.

There are very interesting all-sky maps of various objects distribution. They give you a good feeling of our position in Galaxy and Universe.

I gave only four stars because in the field it can catch dew and you have to be carefull. The Moon map is not the best and for a reflector, so not good for me.

Highly recomended.

Rating: 4 stars
Summary: Gets Used Most Nights
Review: This is the only Star Atlas I have, and I've been using it most nights I am out using the telescope or just studying the night sky. I havn't had the opportunity to compare it with Star Atlas 2000, but to date I have been relatively happy with the purchase. I can't say I have found the best way to physically handle the book when I'm outside, not wanting to damage it or get moisture on it from the dew. I think this would be a consideration next time I make a Star Atlas purchase. A laminated one would be excellent. I would be interested in hearing from people who have other publications, to provide some sort of comparison.

Rating: 4 stars
Summary: Gets Used Most Nights
Review: This is the only Star Atlas I have, and I've been using it most nights I am out using the telescope or just studying the night sky. I havn't had the opportunity to compare it with Star Atlas 2000, but to date I have been relatively happy with the purchase. I can't say I have found the best way to physically handle the book when I'm outside, not wanting to damage it or get moisture on it from the dew. I think this would be a consideration next time I make a Star Atlas purchase. A laminated one would be excellent. I would be interested in hearing from people who have other publications, to provide some sort of comparison.


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