Sky Atlas for Small Telescopes and Binoculars
By Billie Chandler and David Chandler
This is the Atlas for sky observing beginners. The constellations are easy to locate, and all the objects in the atlas are within reach of binoculars or a small (2 inches or less) telescopes. The forward gives a basic overview of celestial motion. The selection of objects insures success for the beginner with the easiest to find objects in the sky. Many beginners do not know which objects are within reach of their equipment and end up frustrated and unsuccessful. This atlas describes if the object is viewable in binoculars, or a small telescope, or with the unaided eye. Descriptions of objects on a page are given on the opposing page.
Review "In clear prose, the Chandlers offer a vast array of knowledge from their own experience. ... A distinguished excursion." --The Book Reader, Fall 1996 About the Author David Chandler has taught astronomy, physics, and mathematics at the high school and college levels since the early 1970's. He has a BS in Physics from Harvey Mudd College, an MA in Education from Claremont Graduate School, and an MS in Mathematics from California Polytechnic University. He has published a number of charts and books designed to help beginners become successful in observational astronomy. Billie Chandler became interested in astronomy when her children were given a telescope by a relative. She subscribed to astronomy periodicals, took an astronomy course at a local college, and started looking into what could be seen with amateur-sized equipment. About the time of Halley's Comet (1985-86) she bought a 10" Dobsonian telescope and started observing regularly, first with the Idyll Gazers in Idyllwild CA, then with the Pomona Valley Amateur Astronomers. She is one of the first women in the United States to earn the Herschel award from the Astronomical League. She has sketched hundreds of astronomical objects at the eyepiece. Most of the descriptions in Sky Atlas for Small Telescopes and Binoculars are based on her observing notes. She currently operates David Chandler Company, which publishes astronomy software, and astronomy-related charts and literature.
