Description
About the book. Stargazing Around the World combines travel inspiration with an introduction to stargazing. Valerie Stimac presents 45 dark sky sites and national parks, as well as more than 20 other locations related to astronomy and the northern lights. This is the second edition from 2024, featuring 280 pages and a foreword by astronomer Phil Plait.
Content. The book covers both travel destinations and a practical introduction to equipment, observation, and astrophotography for beginners. Constellation diagrams and material on astronomical phenomena accompany photographs and descriptions of the sites. The selection includes Jasper in Canada, Wadi Rum in Jordan, and Aoraki Mackenzie in New Zealand. Observatories, laboratories, and other sites where astronomy can be experienced provide further entry points to the subject.
Who is this book suitable for? Suitable for travelers seeking dark night skies as part of their trip, and readers wishing to explore the subject at home. The book can be used to compare landscapes, travel timing, and types of observation sites. The English text provides background for further planning. Calendar content and events pertain to the 2024 edition, while the destination profiles provide ideas for locations to investigate further.
From inspiration to your own plan. Use the guide before departure to select experiences you truly desire and see them in the context of the rest of your trip. A plan with fewer stops can allow more time to become acquainted with each location. Browse with your travel companions, compare ideas, and find a balance between what you wish to achieve and what you want time to experience. Allow space for breaks and detours. A physical book is excellent to return to when discussing the next leg of the journey. Revisit an idea you have noted and let the plan evolve as you become familiar with the destination.
About the edition. English book, published 2024. 280 pages. 2nd edition. ISBN 9781837581979.
