Physical science fundamentals and applications

Bob Berman's book Secrets of the Night Sky: The Most Amazing Things in the Universe You Can See with the Naked Eye is one of the most interesting and engaging books that I have ever read on the topic of astronomy.

The book is geared toward beginning astronomers, but its humorous and interesting prose makes it a great read even for those with more advanced knowledge of the cosmos.

The book is a wealth of information, and takes the reader on an engaging tour of the night sky. Berman points out highlights and interesting information on the history of astronomy throughout. Further, he dispenses practical advice and tips in a warm and helpful manner. The book offers a helpful and informative guide to the visible universe in a logical and easily understood season-by-season format.

Berman covers a lot of ground in this introductory offering. The book is organized as a series of essays, each which covers a different celestial phenomenon. He discusses most major celestial objects that can be seen with the naked eye. He covers ground from blue moons to the popular constellations of the Big Dipper and Orion, with a discussion of Betelgeuse thrown in for good measure. He also includes an entire chapter on the Aurora for individuals who want to explore this aspect of the night sky on their own. Berman's helpful tips include how to categorize satellites, and explain how to locate planets like Venus, Jupiter and Mercury, and how to find meteor showers.

Fittingly, the book is packed with illustrations. Over 160 colorful and informative illustrations by Alan McKnight grace the pages of the 336-page book. Overall, the illustrations serve to helpfully enhance Berman's engaging text. Given that the subject matter of the book is so overwhelmingly visual, the extensive use of illustrations in the book is both fitting and helpful to the reader's overall understanding and improves the book.

On of the greatest strengths of the book is its universal appeal. Berman's book does not require much of the reader. It only requires a willing spirit, a good set of eyes, and the night sky. He does assume knowledge of a few common constellations, including Orion and the Big Dipper, but few people should have trouble using the book.

Berman notes that you do not need expensive technology to enjoy the constellations. Indeed, the large majority of the book is written for people who do not have access to either a telescope or binoculars. This emphasis on astronomy for the average individual is one of the greatest strengths of Berman's book. Many individuals have somehow acquired the false belief that astronomy can only be enjoyed through the use of expensive instruments and high technology. Berman rigorously attacks this mistaken belief, giving honest and useful advice on how to enjoy the night sky that is applicable to everyone from grade school students to grandparents.

For those who want to see more of the night sky Berman includes appendices that council the reader on how to purchase a telescope. The advice is practical and insightful, and ranges from advice on how to choose a telescope to how to avoid getting ripped off during the purchases.

Berman is clearly qualified to write this book. He is an astronomer and science writer who has worked extensively for the well-known Discover magazine as the author of the popular "Night Watchman" column. Berman is the author of other books, including Cosmic Adventure: Other Secrets beyond the Night Sky, Cosmic Adventure: A Renegade Astronomer's Guide to Our World & Beyond, and Secrets of the Night.

The book is most well suited for a beginner or early intermediate audience. Helpfully, it contains a wealth of information for the person without access to either binoculars or a telescope. The book covers the very basics of viewing the stars and understanding the attractions that the night sky has to offer. As such, it will be an invaluable guide for countless backyard astronomy enthusiasts.

One of the strongest features of Berman's book is his strong and witty prose. He clearly intends this book to entertain the audience as well as educate, and he is truly successful in his aim. The book is engaging and interesting, and most readers will have a difficult time setting the book down. Berman liberally applies clever analogies, enhancing the readability of his book. The book is simply packed with endless insights and metaphors that make it engaging and conversational. Berman's conversational tone is humorous and captivating. For example, in his lengthy discussion of time he notes that "misconceptions about time hatch as readily as cuckoo eggs."

Berman's book manages to ignite the wonder and awe of the night sky that we used to feel as children. His engaging prose and use of memorable analogies helps to bring the subject matter to life. Having endured many dull texts on astronomy, I find Berman's work is especially refreshing. His test can remind us all of the reverence and respect that we used to have while looking at the night sky. He shows the difference that a good writer can make to what is simply standard material. All in all, the greatest strength of this book is not simply the subject matter, but Berman's masterful treatment of that subject matter.