Philip's Astronomy Starter Pack - Softcover

A new edition of the exciting Philip's Astronomy Starter Pack, suitable for use in the Northern Hemisphere, containing three essential items to introduce the beginner to the fascinating hobby of astronomy: a 'glow-in-the-dark' planisphere, an 80-page paperback book about the stars and planets, and a colourful wall poster of the Solar System.

Philip's Glow-in-the-Dark Planisphere: This planisphere has been specially made so that, after being held under a bright light, the stars and the names and shapes of the constellations will glow in the dark for a period. It is both a fun and practical starfinder for identifying the stars and constellations visible on any night of the year from the UK, Northern Europe, Northern USA and Canada (51.5 degrees North); the star map is drawn by the well-known celestial cartographer Wil Tirion. A sheet explaining how to use the planisphere is included in the pack.

Philip's Exploring Stars and Planets: A colourful and entertaining introduction to the exciting world of astronomy, this 80-page paperback is illustrated with more than 200 colour photographs, artworks and maps, as the author Ian Ridpath describes the latest developments in the fast-moving fields of space exploration and astronomy. Concise chapters introduce the Sun, the Earth and all the other planets in our Solar System. Then, moving further into space, the author examines the stars and galaxies, and explores the origin of the Universe.

Philip's Solar System Poster: A large attractive folded wall chart (580 x 870mm) illustrating the planets and other bodies in the Solar System, with informative text and tables by Ian Ridpath.

Ian Ridpath (Author)
Ian Ridpath is a full-time writer, broadcaster and lecturer on astronomy. He is a Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society and a member of the Association of British Science Writers. A former editor of Popular Astronomy, he is a regular contributor to Astronomy Now. Ian Ridpath's many books include Collins Guide to Stars and Planets, Gem Stars and The Monthly Sky Guide. He is also the editor of the highly respected Norton's Star Atlas - a must-have publication for most practical astronomers - and the Oxford Dictionary of Astronomy.
Wil Tirion (Illustrator)
Wil Tirion, who lives in the Netherlands, is the most highly regarded cartographer of celestial maps and charts in the world today.