What is OITH?
Why buy OITH?
Reader reviews
OITH in the News
Full Size Cover
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Constellation groupings
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What is OITH?
OITHv4 is a deep-sky fieldbook for amateur astronomers that contains descriptions and mapped locations of 697 NORTHERN celestial objects of all types viewable with small scopes and binoculars. It is designed to encourage those who have not spent much time searching for deep space objects by making information readily available for use at the scope.
"A small, handy observing guide."
Sky&Telescope
Read the review• • •
11-04-08
4th Edition now available
with all-new maps and more objects
• • •
All known objects to magnitude 10 or brighter are listed and mapped, those visible with a 6-inch reflector or better. 137 entries ("city objects") are specially highlighted for use with average binoculars. Data has been assembled from 33 astronomical catalogs, including 206 other-than-Messier or NGC objects. Generous space is provided for personal observation sketching and notes.
It's an interactive reference book which brings together just the facts and then some, to be a complete, useful and entertaining viewing companion.
"A wealth of information in a clear, concise package."
Astronomy Magazine
Read the review
OITH provides many answers to: "What ALL can I see and where is it?" by providing only those objects which are potentially viewable from the Northern Hemisphere, formatted to simplify finding these visual treats with 70 detailed constellation and seasonal maps. Featured are modern celestial locations (2000 or better Hyparcos data), available descriptions, extensive cross-referencing, common names list and historic observational comments from T.W.Webb. The book's compact size also makes it ideal for camping and hiking.
"This is a very useful publication."
Faith Jordan, The Web Society
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"Most astro books sit on the shelves gathering dust, but yours is a true hobbiest book."
Sergio Zoruba
Recent presentations:
- Chicago Astronomical Society
- Northwest Suburban Astronomers
- AstroFest (Kankakee)
- Fox Valley Astronomy Association
Contact the author for a presentation to your club.
Contents
• 118 pages, lay-flat spiral-binding, soft cover, A5/digest size: 5.5" x 8.5"
• 697 objects to magnitude 10
• 206 non-Messier or NGC objects, 28 of which are binocular-class
• 187 "city" objects to magnitude 7 are highlighted
• 152 double stars and multiple stars
• 137 binocular-class objects with separate symbol
• 106 visual associate connections
• 83 single and carbon stars
• 73 objects from mag 10.1 to 10.5
• 70 maps: constellational, seasonal, insets and groupings
• 61 observable northern constellations, arranged
alphabetically
• 33 astronomy catalogs cross-referenced
• 22 photographs by Naoyuki Kurita
• grouping stories present larger chunks of the sky to learn more constellations
• plus encyclopedic data on planets, stars, meteors
• plus common names list
• plus modern Messier list of 110 objects with Marathon constellation
order
• plus complete object number cross-reference, mapping and
more
About the Author
I'm a longtime amateur who couldn't find the ideal viewing companion so, as a result of my inate curiosity and graphic design training, set out to create my own. Built originally from gradually expanding target lists, frustration set in when searching for more. After several more years of research comes the 4th edition which greatly exceeds the original goal to teach myself more about the stars. I am a member of the Northwest Suburban Astronomers (NSA) and participate via ham radio every Thursday night with the SouthWest Astronomy Observers Group (SWAOG).
My other passions are my granddaughter, hang gliding and my design work.
Photography was graciously provided by Naoyuki Kurita of Tokyo, Japan, whose astrophotos have brightened these pages since the initial printing of OITH. His website is a terrific resource for everyone.
REVIEWS
Feedback and reader opinions were necessary for improving this effort. I now enjoy a great relationship with some amazing people who are properly thanked on the front acknowledgement page. The reviewers' page has many wonderful comments from astronomers of all experience levels, beginner to professional.
I hope you like this book as much as they do.
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Copyright © 2008 Peter Birren
This page last updated
January 1, 2009
