The Atlas of the Constellations

The night sky has fascinated mankind for millennia, inspiring religion and astrology and facilitating advances in science such as navigation and timekeeping. The ancient Babylonians named the first constellations after their gods and myths, providing us with the twelve signs of the zodiac, and the ancient Greeks named many of the other constellations of the northern hemisphere. Beginning in the sixteenth century, explorers gave names to similar star patterns in the southern skies, the shapes they saw often reflecting the technology of the age. We now recognise 88 constellations, with the last 13 being added by the French astronomer La Caille in the 1750s.

Featuring accurate and clear star charts of all 88 groupings, the Atlas of the Constellations is a fascinating introduction to the night sky that will educate and enthral young and old alike. Beginning with a brief explanation of how to find each constellation, the book features one full page on each constellation, accompanied by fascinating text about its naming, key stars, the planets that pass through it, and other relevant features. Each full-page colour map of the constellation includes additional information on star brightness, radio sources, gas clouds, and neighbouring constellations. Comprehensive and informative, The Atlas of the Constellations will enable every reader to unlock the secrets of the night sky.