Any ideas on books for a new amateur?

[bhaines2009]

Hello. This is my very first post, so please be gentle, and I apologize in advance if this has been asked and answered before.

I've been interested in astronomy for a long time, but only recently have I been able to get a telescope (actually, my wife got it for me as a gift.) But I must admit that I am lost. I'd appreciate advice from anyone about books, DVDs or CDs about getting started in amateur astronomy.

Thanks

[mahesh]

Hello bhaines

Welcome to BAUT.

You've come to the right place for nurturing your interest in, enthusiam for astronomy amongst other things here.

Do you have a local astronomy club you could join? As you don't mention from where you hail...it's not easy, for me anyway, to suggest anything sensible or otherwise for you.

Perhaps you could enlightens us a bit more about yourself, for any of us to give you half-decent pointers. You'll see that enthusiasm of BAUTzens here to help you is overwhelming. and i say this most modestly.

and it is most charming of your good wife to get a 'scope for you! how nice of her!

what kind of a 'scope is it? just curious.


have a lovely day

[SolusLupus]

I personally have a HUGE encyclopedia on the universe, published by the National Geographic. It must weigh about a kilogram or so! It's heavy, big, and hard-cover, but has many beautiful color photos and easy-to-understand explanations of almost all the material. I'd say that it's good for both amateur and intermediate astronomers, so it's good all-around and would last you a long time.

It's incredibly comprehensive, so you might become overwhelmed on where to start reading, but I still recommend it for one that wants to understand many of the important issues in astronomy. It's also a very useful reference guide.

If anyone is interested, here (http://www.amazon.com/National-Geographic-Encyclopedia-Space-Glover/dp/0792273192/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1235568598&sr=8-1) is a link to it on Amazon.com. It's offered around $5-20, which I personally would call a steal. ;)

Edit: Also, welcome to the forums! Don't worry, we're gentle. It keeps the meat fresh. >: D

Edit 2: The Revenge of the Edit: I just realized that I sounded like a salesman up there. I'm just excited about it, that's all. :<

[Nick Theodorakis]

Turn Left at Orion (http://www.amazon.com/Turn-Left-Orion-Hundred-Telescope/dp/0521781906/).

A good sky map.

A not-too-bright red LED to read the sky map without ruining your night vision.

I also like to have a planisphere (http://www.amazon.com/David-H-Levys-Guide-Stars/dp/1928771017/) to supplement the map.

Look at the observing guide in Sky and Telescope (http://www.skyandtelescope.com/).

[aurora]

I agree with Nick's recommendation. Since you have a new scope, Turn Left at Orion is what you should buy or look for in your local library first.

There's lots of other good books, but start there.

[bhaines2009]

I apologize for taking so long to reply, but it's been hectic for me the last couple of days.

I want to thank you for the advice, I'll certainly take it. Much appreciated.