Yearbook of Astronomy 2023

Yearbook of Astronomy 2023 written by Brian Jones and published by

White Owl Books - £18.99 - Softcover - Pages 336

Maintaining its appealing style and presentation, the Yearbook of Astronomy 2023

contains comprehensive jargon-free monthly sky notes and an authoritative set of

sky charts to enable backyard astronomers and sky gazers everywhere to plan

their viewing of the year’s eclipses, comets, meteor showers and minor planets as

well as detailing the phases of the Moon and visibility and locations of the planets

throughout the year. To supplement all this is a variety of entertaining and informative

articles, a feature for which the Yearbook of Astronomy is known. Presenting the

reader with information on a wide range of topics, the articles for the 2023 edition

include, among others, The Incomparable Sir Patrick Moore; Shining a Light on

Jupiter’s Atmosphere; A Brief History of the End of the Universe; The Closing of

Historic Observatories; The Ability to Believe: Bizarre Worlds of Astronomical

Antireality; Optical SETI at Harvard; The Future of Spaceflight; and Male Family

Mentors for Women in Astronomy: Caroline and William Herschel.

This iconic publication made its first appearance way back in 1962, shortly after the dawning of the Space Age. Now into its seventh decade of production, the Yearbook continues to be essential reading for anyone lured and fascinated by the magic of astronomy and who has a desire to extend their knowledge of the Universe and the wonders it plays host to. The Yearbook of Astronomy is indeed an inspiration to amateur and professional astronomers alike, and warrants a place on the bookshelf of all stargazers and watchers of the Universe.

I must say from the beginning of this review, that I am not an expert on Astronomy so this is purely from an amateur viewpoint but someone who appreciates the awe and beauty of space. So I should start from the end of that comment, this book contains a number of beautiful pictures of various parts of space, informative maps, charts and diagrams. There is also a huge number of articles and information presented by quite a few astronomical experts and leaders, which also seem very interesting and intriguing. There is also a monthly guide for the amateur astronomy expert for both the northern and southern hemispheres. This is where the best thing about this book happens, it appeals to both the beginner and regular astronomer, it is so informative but not too technical. A really fantastic book for all those interested in Astronomy.