GUIDE TO THE SKIES

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22166, 20 July 1935, Page 9 (Supplement)

GUIDE TO THE SKIES

RESEARCH FOR TELESCOPISTS There have been several notable additions tn astronomical literature recently. The latest, frcm the. press of John Murray, is written by an amateur astronomer for the amateur. Will Hay is perhaps better known as an actor than an astronomer, but only recently lie made a notable astronomical discovery. His first book, " Through My Telescope," is an elementary introduction for those who possess and use small telescopes to study the heavens. While it cannot bo regarded as a complete guide to the art of telescopy, tlio book describes the various objects within the range of the average telescope, and what can he seen on them. The illustrations by the author are a splendid feature, showing tlio actual results of his observations. To the serious student of the skies, however, the book does not go far enough. The study of meteors, for instance, is a research which is left almost entirely to amateur effort, yet one of (lie shortest chapters in tlio book is deemed sufficient to cover the subject, and it is evident that the author has never engaged in meteoric observations, as his illustration of a meteor shower is most inaccurate and misleading. Thoso who own small telescopes will find this readable and well-printed book ;i. pleasing introduction to the fascinating sights their telescopes aro capable of revealing. " Through My Telescope." by W. T. liny. (John Murray.)