What is OITH?

Why OITH?

Reader reviews

OITH in the News

Full Size Cover

Sample inside spreads

Constellation groupings

How to Order

for 2011

What's inside:

• 717 objects mag10 or brighter
• 213 other-than-Messier or NGC objects
• 189 binocular-class mag7 or brighter "City Objects," shown bold in the lists and circled on the maps
• Separate binocular symbol focuses attention on those objects for easier use
• 160 of the finest Double Stars
• 123 tint bars connect objects that are close to one another
• Expanded shorthand to read more like English than government acronyms
• 5 pages of sketching and note-taking space for personal observation comments
• Individual object-specific maps across from their listings
• Seasonal maps provide the Big View locations for brighter objects
• NEW - 7 pages on viewing THE MOON (scroll down) to follow its phases all month long
• Four tabbed sections for logical grouping of content
• Coil binding for lay-flat use at the scope

Sample spreads:

Seasonal maps (example below) display mag7 objects which help you focus on just those which might be seen in binocs or in light polluted skies as well as keeping you oriented with a whole-sky view.

Summer Sky Map

NOTE: Right ascension hours, declination degrees, directional indications, months "on meridian" (directly overhead) and star sizes combine to help the new viewer to become oriented and understand how to read the sky.

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Email received June 18, 2012

Peter,

I recently received a copy of Objects in the Heavens (5th edition). Thanks again for guiding me away from Amazon ( with its 4rth edition).
I have been studying your book for the last 2 weeks, and I have to say that it has become my favorite astronomy book. I finally have all of the objects I could ever want to find all in one place. In the past I would have to look at 8 - 10 books to gather all of the information you have packed into Objects in the Heavens. You have somehow managed to gather together all of the information I need for a successful viewing session. The organization of the book is superior to any of the 20 or so astronomy books I own. But the greatest single touch is the Mag 7 or brighter / bold notation. This one simple elegant element will simplify my search for the next astronomical object.
Let me give you a quick example of how effective your book is. I have always enjoyed looking at two objects near Aquila. I have spent countless hours trying to determine just what these two open clusters were called. I looked on page 40, and I noticed that 6631 and ic4756 were in the exact same spot as my "two unidentified clusters." Last night at 1:30 am I confirmed this. I have looked through every book I own and could not identify these objects - yet, one look at your book led me to solve this mystery.
Thank you for providing me a gold mine of astronomical objects.

David D
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Each constellation spread (example below) presents a list of objects with pertinent details across from its map for easy item location. Stars to mag5 are sized relative to their brightness.

Orion spread

On the far left side of each list, gray lines are used to connect (as much as possible) those objects which are close neighbors so you can find more objects while your 'scope is pointed in a given area.

Trangulum and Ursa major lists

in OITHv5.1 is a day-by-day list of interesting things to see and learn about the Earth's huge "night light". Now, when the Moon is out and obscuring the Faint Fuzzies, you don't have to cuss and stay inside, frustrated.

Chuck Wood's Lunar 100 (plus 12 more targets of interest) are arranged following the Astro League's lunar day plan, combined with US Naval Observatory photos of the individual days to point out where these targets are located.

Moon spread

REVIEWS:
Click to read what others have to say about this book. For example:

"Two weeks ago I received my first copy of Objects in the Heavens. I had heard about it earlier, as I am a frequent reader and poster on Astronomy Forums and Joe Lalumia there mentions OITH quite often, but at the time it seemed too much for me. But then I saw an add for it in the latest issue of The Reflector and checked it out again. I have only been "looking up" for a little over two years. Now I felt I was ready for this guide. All I can say is that it exceeded my expectations and has quickly become my constant companion as I plan sessions.
"In order to keep my interest going in astronomy, and to add some structure to my viewing, I joined a couple of the Astronomical League's clubs. I tried to find some DSOs using my limited sources at that time and had no success. But with OITH, I found objects immediately! The notes as to which page in the S&T PSA are very helpful, as between your book and the PSA, I am ready to successfully hunt down these elusive targets.
"I really enjoy the format of the book and the layout. Now I can look up a constellation and learn what objects and wonders are there. So Thank You for putting this fieldbook together and making it available to us."

- Eric Johnson

for 2011

What's inside:

Sample spreads:

REVIEWS: Click to read what others have to say about this book. For example:

REVIEWS:
Click to read what others have to say about this book. For example: