The stars have fascinated mankind since ancient times. Advances in science and technology have helped us to understand the stars and universe better. This book, authored by three active members of the Loughton Astronomical Society and published in Springer’s “Patrick Moore Practical Astronomy” series, reveals computing’s major role in astronomy.

The book is made up of eight chapters and six appendices. The first chapter introduces readers to stars and astronomy. Here, the authors mention how the book will be helpful to readers. They have classified the stellar objects described in the book into bronze, silver, or gold categories based on the ease with which they can be discerned in the sky (for example, bronze objects are the most easily discernible). This prefatory chapter also describes what the remaining chapters cover.

The second chapter focuses on “methods and techniques for observing in suburban skies.” It introduces observation equipment and includes stargazing tips in the presence of buildings and lights.

The third chapter focuses on the equipment “used by observing team[s] to make ... images and drawings.” It describes handheld binoculars, small refractors, apochromats, Newtonian and Cassegrain reflectors, and even outdated telescopes. The authors reason that no one instrument can be considered the best for observation.

The lengthy fourth chapter lists 100 stellar objects--the book mentions 200 stellar objects in total. Chapter 5 lists 30 of the authors’ favorite moon features. The moon is the best stellar object observable by the unaided eye. Chapter 6 focuses on the planets and lists optimal times for observing them until the year 2050; hence this book will remain very useful for the next 30 years. Furthermore, the chapter is indispensable because it lists good websites for obtaining information related to the planets.

Chapter 7 focuses on astronomy apps and software. The authors mention that Loughton Astronomical Society members took all but two of the images from their suburban London homes. Thus, “imaging is ... possible from suburban skies with patience.” The eighth chapter includes information about astronomical phenomena such as lunar eclipses, meteor showers, occultation, planetary conjunctions, and so on.

The appendices cover “Instruments and Methods,” “Deep Sky Objects: Listed 1 to 100,” “Deep Sky Objects: Listed by Bronze, Silver and Gold,” “General Sky Reference Charts,” “Lunar Features,” and “Full Disc Lunar Reference Charts.” The bibliography, references, and index are helpful.

The book has several illustrations, including many in color. Readers will discover that computing plays a major role in modern astronomy. It is a very valuable read for both novice and expert astronomers.

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