The Night Sky

This book is a how-to-guide to the night sky. It describes the twelve zodiac constellations, the five naked eye planets, our Moon and how to use a planisphere and star location diagram. But this book is not just a technical, descriptive approach to amateur astronomy. It also encourages you to consider the mystery and grandeur of the night sky.

So go outside and say goodbye to the Day Star and hello to the Night Stars. Be humbled by the Cosmos and your place in its Grand Scheme. Watch Polaris conduct the celestial march across the Night Sky. See the Big Dipper pour stars into the Milky Way. Imagine Aquarius standing to protest Cancer, and Orion pointing his sword at Sirius and Procyon. Listen to their barking causing Scorpio to sweep its tail across the horizon. Let the Night Sky carry you to once upon a time in a place long ago and light years away.

The stars put on the same twinkle, twinkle every night. But the Moon sheds her velvet wrap curve by curve, then stands in the spotlight iridescent and nude, her soft cheeks cratered with scars where critics have tossed hard things at her. Her face summons wolves and lovers but imagine her showing her private face to only you. On your way home, watch her drift quietly through the trees with her beguiling, big-eyed glow lighting your way.