Hartung’s Astronomical Objects for Southern Telescopes – 2nd ed. (David Malin & David Frew, 1995)

ISBN 0-522-84553-3

Six initial chapters provide the usual introduction to the celesial sphere, the different sorts of objects which comprise amateur observing fare, equipment, and elementary observational techniques. The rest of the book is given over to descriptions of the objects themselves, grouped by constellation. In this respect, the book is the same as legions of similar books, such as Ridpath & Tirion’s Collins Guide to Stars and Planets. Where it differs is in its focus on the southern sky, which is a refreshing change for amateurs living south of the equator.

I have to confess to being disappointed by the book, however. Given the senior author’s professional background, I’d have expected a more educational experience. Unfortunately (or not – I guess it just depends upon what you’re after) the authors have gone for breadth rather than depth. They describe a great number of objects very superficially, and like most similar books, the majority of the text explains what the objects look like through various aperture instruments. Well, once we’ve located the objects, we can see that for ourselves! What we (well, I) really want are tips for locating at least the more elusive objects, and a detailed interpretation of what we’re seeing. It is better to look at only a handful of objects, and to understand what you see, than to (say) glance once at every Messier object in the catalogue ... and not have a clue.

Recommendation: Eight out of ten for breadth. Ten out of ten for the southern perspective. But only four out of ten for explaining what we’re looking at. You choose.

Look and Feel: 425-page hardback with high production values, especially noticable in the colour plates.

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