Brown, Peter Lancaster. Skywatch: Eyes-on-Activities for getting to Know the Stars, Planets and Galaxies. J 523 LAN
Full of charts, this is sure to please many different knowledge and interest levels. Topics include meteor showers, brightest stars, plants, and star maps.

Duffett-Smith, Peter. Practical Astronomy with your Calculator. 522.076 DUF
If you are interested in predicting the location of planets, the time of sunset, and the times of eclispses, this is the book for you. This will help you answer questions like, "I wonder when I can see Mercury?" Use of the book may require some guidance.

Harrington, Philip S. Star Ware: The Amateur Astronomers Ultimate Guide to Choosing, Buying and Using Telescopes and Accessories. New York: Wiley, 1994. 681.412 HAR
For the die hard astronomer, this is an excellent guide to assist with the purchase of equipment.

Miller, Robert. Making and Enjoying Telescopes. J Q 522.2 MIL
Athough the title emphasizes making telescopes, this volume also covers the history of telescopes, how they work, accesories available, and shopping for a telescope. In addition, there are plans to build telescopes, basic formulas used in astronomy, and a resource list of books, periodicals, and product suppliers.

Pasachoff, Jay M. Peterson First Guide to the Solar System. J 520 PAS
In compact form, information about the planets includes the times that the planets will be the brightest for viewing .

Scagell, Robin. Space Explained: A Beginners Guide to the Universe. J 520 SCA
Topics include star distances measurement, black holes, the constellations, and other galaxies. This is a good introduction to astronomy for the person who has little science background, but would like to begin star gazing.

Simon, Seymour. Look to the Night Sky: An Introduction to Star Watching. J 523 SIM
This classic volume covers looking at the constellations during the four seasons, viewing the moon and the planets, looking at other celestial objects including comets and meteors, and using a telescope.

Wood, Robert W. Science for Kids: 39 Easy Astronomy Experiments for Kids. J 522.078 WOO
Chock full of basic, but interesting, experiments and projects, this would be the perfect book for teens to use with younger enthusiasts. Experiments are well explained and deal with everything from finding Venus to making a tin can planetarium.

Also check out these magazines:

Air & Space

Popular Science

Smithsonian Science

Sky & Telescope

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Updated 8/6/04 by Lisa Matte