Introduction

Abstract

The purpose of this book is to provide you with the means whereby you may learn to find your way around the sky. That cannot however be accomplished just by reading this book. You will also need to go outside and look up at the night sky on many occasions with this book as a companion. Over the whole sky there are 88 constellations, but except near the equator, some of these will never be visible; they will always be below the horizon. Many of the constellations are formed from the fainter stars, and are not easily seen. Learning the sky does not therefore require you to recognise all 88 constellations. From most sites, the 15 or 20 constellations formed from the brighter stars will be quite sufficient. Once you know those, the remaining fainter constellations can soon be found.