Virginia StarWatch

Book excerpt: Written in a folksy, down-to-earth style, this user-friendly guide to the night sky is designed for beginner and intermediate stargazers ages twelve and up. It begins with chapters explaining the stars, nebulae, star clusters, and galaxies—and what readers can expect to see from their own backyards with a modicum of equipment. Virginia StarWatch then examines the major constellations, offering updated tales of the mythology surrounding them and detailing their seasonal movements in the sky. Later chapters delve into the moon, solar and lunar eclipses, planets, and "celestial extras," such as comets, meteor showers, and aurora borealis. The final chapter provides advice on purchasing a telescope and other stargazing equipment. Appendices include monthly star maps for Virginia’s northern latitude, a local resource guide, and a list of Virginia’s brightest stars.