The Night Sky: Month-by-Month, January-December 2004.

This guide charts planets, constellations, stars, and other features of the sky that can be viewed on any clear night throughout 2004. Loaded with photographs and illustrations that accompany lucid, instructive text, this guide helps would-be astronomers find their way around the night sky of the Northern Hemisphere. Chapters devoted to each month summarize celestial events and provide background information for each appearance of a constellation or planet. Sections labeled "Introduction to Astronomy" appear throughout the book and present cutting-edge findings and research about supernovas, the sun, the Big Bang, and other features of the universe. There's also technical advice for getting the most from stargazing equipment and for photographing what you see. Firefly, 2003, 239 p., color/b&w photos/illus., paperback, $24.95.