Ed ~ i Picked up a new copy of the Pocket Guide to Stars and Planets (as i had to discard my old copy which had seen better days). The 3rd edition can be picked up very cheaply (1 loaf of bread).
Collins Pocket Guide - Stars and Planets by Ian Ridpath, Wil Tirion
Collins Pocket Guide Stars and Planets guides the amateur astronomer to the most splendid celestial sights, all visible with the use of binoculars or an average-sized telescope.
Monthly maps of the night sky as seen from latitudes throughout the world.
Charts of all 88 constellations, with data and notes on bright stars and objects of interest for observers.
Illustrated introduction to stars, nebulae, galaxies and the solar system.
Advice on choosing and using binoculars and telescopes.
Product Dimensions: 18.6 x 11.6 x 2.8 cm
Ed ~ The Collins Pocket Guide is a very handy quick reference to the night sky. The layout is simple and easy to navigate; with each constellation guide page having a clear chart, and information and a few accompanying highlights on the opposite page. The book is appropriate for both Northern and Southern hemispheres.
It will fit into your coat pocket and so is ideal for outdoor use, be it naked eye, telescope or binocular observing. The paperback sized version is a lot more useful than smaller star guides. That, and given the price, i would thoroughly recommend this version. It goes without saying that this one book is what i personally use at the eyepiece.
The fourth edition renamed 'Collins Stars and Planets Guide' can be picked up for ~ £10.00
