J. Brit. Astron. Assoc., 108, 3, 1998, p.173
Springer-Verlag, 1998. ISBN 3-540-76147-0. Pp xi + 368, £19.00, pbk.
reviewed by Alan Dowdell
This is a book of astronomical facts, one for every day of the year, with one extra for a leap year. Patrick Moore has selected a subject for each day, relating it to what can be seen at that time in the sky, or to an astronomical anniversary. For example on 4th January there is a short note on the Quadrantid meteor shower which is visible around this date. Some days in the year of course are lacking such a convenient tie-up. On such days we are provided with a short note of interest that may give background information for other days' events. May 11th is such a day, on which the subject is Star Names.
The book is illustrated only with diagrams that help to explain a point although there is a set of simple star charts to help the reader. The book is written in the author's well-known enthusiastic style. It is a dip-in book: every day there is a point of interest to the reader. Most readers will be given a new fact or reminded of one forgotten. Appendices are provided with a glossary of terms, Greek alphabet and a short index. The book is ideal for the beginner and those who have a casual interest in the subject.
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