You see the Moon, planets, and others as they appear in a small telescope of 50-70 mm or 2 to 3 inches in diameter. In its Contents - How Do You Get To Albireo?, Moon, Planets, Seasonal Stellar Objects, The Southern Hemisphere, How to Run a Telescope, Where Do You Go From Here?- are to be found certainly most of what you need to know to get started and to keep going in amateur astronomy as a hobby. TURN LEFT" (not the unrelated "Turn right" incarnation) embraces close to 500 celestial objects. It takes the approach of identifying a primary object such as the Orion Nebula (M42) then hops to other stuff in its locality; like M43; NGC 1980; NGC1981; the Trapesium; multiple star systems, Sigma Orionis, Striven 761; then examines doubles and individual stars. It's pretty comprehensive and ideal way of exploring the treasures of specific constellations.

My copy is gathering dust. I find that the monthly night sky suits me more and I buy that each time it appears as a new/next edition - about every two years.

In the US in the 1960s there then flared a national discussion filled with concern that Americans were becoming spectators as opposed to participants. They were not participating in sports, that was the touchstone of the matter. Huge football stadiums would fill on Saturdays for the watchers of the collegiate struggles. There were thousands and thousands across the land who only watched and did not do more. The poor devils could only idly observe and see what was before them. It wasn't as real as the doing of the sport; the leisure activity was commended for the values it instilled. Another shout-out for Turn Left at Orion. It revolutionized my star hopping, enabling me to find scores of objects I had not been able to before (both in the book and beyond). It also contains solid scientific information behind what you're seeing so, in that regard, it's a good introduction to the field of astronomy, too! I wanted to know if anyone has recommendations for a really good pdf or ebook for new comer to astronomy, star hopping and telescopes? I just don't like hard cover/physical books. Would like something electronic. Free is a nice bonus too. This outstanding book is often recommended in these threads as the best guide to what you might expect to see through telescopes of various types/size. The expectation of many novices is unreasonably high due to magazine "Hubble" sourced images. This book quite rightly lowers that expection, raises confidence and enhances the enjoyment of the amateur telescope.

If one were giving an autodidact a telescope, they should also give them this book. There is only a chapter's worth of true reading -- maybe 15% of the book -- but much of that is the information that unfortunately didn't come with the telescope itself. The remainder of the book has very practical astronomical targets--organized by season so you are looking for objects high in the sky--along with very practical approaches on how to actually see them through your eyepiece. Diagrams are also provided that illustrate how they might appear depending on what type of instrument you are using. I would recommend this for any new owner of any decent telescope who is without access to a decent astronomy community to learn from--particularly if they've been frustrated by a few unsuccessful first attempts and are getting discouraged. Don't give up; get this book instead.Turn Left at Orion is an essential guide for both beginners and more experienced amateur astronomers who will find much inside to reinvigorate their passion for the stars. The diagrams are simple, clear and functional, and the text eloquently captures the excitement of observing. Stargazing has never been made so easy and if you buy just one book on observational astronomy, make sure it's this one.' Keith Cooper, Editor, Astronomy Now It reminds me of the classic Bugs Bunny phrase where he pops up out a hole in the ground, pulls out a map, and says "I knew I should have taken a left turn at Albuquerque". I can’t rate this book enough. It is helping me make the best of my telescope, and has helped me see wonders of our universe that have taken my breath away. A must have for beginners, and a great way to pass the time if your waiting on a long delivery time for your telescope. An exceptionally useful text, irrespective of whether you are a novice observer or a seasoned veteran. The changes that have been made to the book are so substantial that even those who own earlier ones will find it refreshingly new. It's not just recommended, it's simply a must have!' Astronomy Now