115: The Backyard Astronomer’s Field Guide with Author & Astronomer David Dickinson

Have you ever been hesitant to try to learn the night sky, or wonder how you can view the cosmos with just a little help? David Dickinson has created the ultimate field guide for us backyard astronomers!

David Dickinson is the co-author of The Universe Today Guide to Viewing the Cosmos. Whether you want to impress viewers at a star party, or learn what you can see with your new telescope, David shows you how to find the most impressive views the night sky has to offer.

He is an Earth science teacher, freelance science writer, retired USAF veteran and backyard astronomer. He currently writes and ponders the universe as he travels the world with his wife.

In his new book (he’s got several) The Backyard Astronomer’s Field Guide: How to Find the Best Objects the Night Sky has to Offer, David helps each of us discover beautiful nebulas, constellations, deep sky objects and more with our telescopes. Find more of David’s books and guides here: https://www.amazon.com/David-Dickinson/e/B00JH2909O

Broken down by month and by hemisphere to ensure you get the best possible view, David shows you how to find objects like spiral galaxies, stunning sights in the Milky Way and stars that bring the “wow factor” to astronomy. With 44 sky charts and David’s expertise, it’s like having a pro-astronomer out in the field with you.

This week on the show, David explains to Beth:  

-how constellations got their names, how they’ve been different names throughout history, depending on who was ruling at the time, and from what location you were looking at the night sky

-what it’s like to see the southern constellations and other unique cosmic phenomena for us in the northern hemisphere, and

-how you can connect with the stars in your very own unique way, you don’t have to be an expert or make a star purchase to do it, either!

Follow Dave on Twitter at: Dave 'Indoor Cat' Dickinson @Astroguyz