Travelling to a desolate place with little light pollution? Use these great stargazing books, which offer great insights into the night sky and will aid your stargazing experience.
Star Maps for Southern Africa
An easy guide to the night skies
by Albert Jansen
A straight forward guide to the night sky with simple introductions – a really accessible book. Plenty of large A4 night sky maps help you navigate the night sky and you can also fill in your own notes which is helpful for later referral.
The books illustrates the best ways to learn about the night sky, what equipment to use and is divided monthly for easy star identification.
Costs R175
Sky Guide
Astronomical Handbook for Southern Africa
This is the most comprehensive stargazing book of all. It clearly explains all astronomical phenomenon – planets, stars, moon, asteroids, comets, meteors, constellations and deep-sky objects (galaxies, star clusters and nebulae.
It also has info on astronomy clubs if you’d like to join, planetariums across the country and a brief history of African astronomy.
The list of annual meteor showers and other events to watch out for is great to plan your trip around.
Costs R110
Stargazing from Game Reserves in Southern Africa
by Anthony Fairall
Simple and well-written, this book encourages you to make the most of your time in the bush – away from lights and muddy skies – and find prominent constellations.
It also gives guidelines on how to get started and it is divided seasonly accordion to major star constellations.
Costs R102
