The Complete Idiot's Guide to Astronomy (2nd Edition)

~discussions elaborating on important events, projects, isasues, or people in astronomy

~definitions of key terms used in astronomy

~startling astronomical facts and amazing trivia

~highlights important statistics, scientific laws and principles, measurements, and mathmatical formulas.

And all of that information just comes out of small boxes on the sides of the pages!!! So you can just imagine how much other information comes out of the actual text of the book!!!

Great read for anyone iterested in astronomy or interested in becoming part of this amazing and ancient form of science as a profession..like me!!!


A logical, clear, entertaining introduction to astronomy.   May 19, 1999
Sandangelbooks (Chestnut Ridge, NY USA)
41 out of 43 found this review helpful

Astronomy is more than just peering through a telescope, and, fortunately for both new and veteran stargazers, Alpha Books has published "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Astronomy." CIGA introduces the complex and potentially intimidating science and hobby with logic, clarity, and humor.

Authors DePree and Axelrod survey astronomy in six user-friendly sections describing: our place in space; telescopes and observing; our solar system; stars; galaxies; and, the universe. While other astronomy books touch on telescopes in passing, CIGA offers an instructive chapter devoted to the various types of telescopes and their pros and cons.

Very useful features include numerous boxes that define space jargon (Star Words), provide useful and entertaining facts (Astro Bytes, Astronomer's Notebook, and Close Encounters), and summarize the crucial chapter points (The Least You Need to Know).

My only regret is that The Complete Idiot's Guide to Astronomy was not yet produced when I first become interested in sky watching.


Felt like an....   January 10, 2002
Dr. Ernie Medina (Redlands, CA USA)
23 out of 26 found this review helpful

While the "tone" of the book was written for us non-astronomers in mind, I could've used more illustrations--even pencil drawing ones--for many of the concepts such as angular size.

Being a visual person, I probably should have looked at it first before ordering it. Someone who isn't as visual will probably do well with this book, as it's filled with a lot of excellent information throughout.

1-24-02 update: After posting my review on this book, Professor Chris DePree e-mailed me and apologized for my problems with his book, explained why there were so few illustrations (budget constraint), and asked for any more comments so they could improve the 2nd edition. Wow, was I impressed!


Simply Marvelous   December 17, 2002
Todd Hawley (San Francisco CA)
13 out of 13 found this review helpful

There is truly a great wealth of information in this book, ranging from a "history" of astronomy profiling the great astronomers of the past and their accomplishments, to what kinds of things (stars, planets, etc) you should search for in the sky, the kind of telescope you should buy (if you are so inclined), along with information about our moon, our solar system and beyond. Also included is information about the different kinds of stars out there (everything from "white dwarves" to "red giants"), how the universe was created and how many other potential universe there are "out there." Particularly interesting to me were the descriptions of the various planets and also how "black holes" get formed.

The book's appendices also contain a wealth of information, a list of upcoming solar and lunar eclipses, a list of constellations, and other sources of information. Anyone with an interest in astronomy, be it an "amateur astronomer" setting up his telescope to search the skies or a lay person like me who wonders what other worlds are like will enjoy this book.


Broad in Scope.   January 23, 2002
Tracy Wilson (Dahlonega Georgia, USA)
11 out of 11 found this review helpful

This book could be called the "Swiss Army Knife" of Astronomy
books. Rich, complete. Has much to offer the novice and pro alike.
From the History of Astronomy and its many essentric
players, to the use of todays powerful Radio telescopes.
This is not a dry Technical manual but a book packed with all
the words and tools of modern Astronomy, liberally
sprinkled with humor and trivia. Want to know who what when and
where? Or how far, how big and how hot? When I have a question
this is the book I reach for. From backyard to Hubble, its all in
here. Chris DePree's love of Astronomy
(and teaching it!) shows in this wonderful book. Cudos!