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Nature Sky Observation

Skywatcher's Companion

Constellations and Their Mythology

by (author) Stan Shadick

Publisher
Heritage House Publishing
Initial publish date
Nov 2007
Category
Sky Observation
Recommended Age
12 to 14
Recommended Grade
4
  • Paperback / softback

    ISBN
    9781894974363
    Publish Date
    Nov 2007
    List Price
    $9.95
  • eBook

    ISBN
    9781926613277
    Publish Date
    Mar 2011
    List Price
    $9.95

Classroom Resources

Where to buy it

Description

An informative sidekick to Stan Shadick's annual award-winning Skywatchers calendars, Skywatcher's Companion presents fascinating stories for skywatchers of all ages.

 

Discover the wonders of the night sky and learn how to find the star patterns that have inspired the myths and storytelling of great cultures of the past. Meet the gods and goddesses of Rome, Greece and Mesopotamia and see how they found their way into the many constellations that dominate the ever-changing northern sky. Learn how the same stars inspired legends of the Native peoples in Canada, the United States, northern Europe and elsewhere. See how the sky changes with the seasons but always remains the biggest movie screen in the universe.

About the author

Stan Shadick developed his passion for astronomy as a youth from discussions with teachers and members of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada. With the encouragement of his father, John Shadick, Stan decided to pursue a career in astronomy. He earned an Honours BSc in physics from the University of Saskatchewan and an MSc in astronomy from the University of Western Ontario. Stan currently teaches introductory and advanced astronomy courses at the University of Saskatchewan and supervises its observatories. He also writes an astronomy column for the Saskatoon Sun. He is an active advocate for recreational stargazing and writes an astronomy column for various newspapers. Stan encourages us all to preserve our view of the starry skies and reduce light pollution by decreasing unnecessary use of outdoor lighting.

Stan Shadick's profile page

Librarian Reviews

Skywatcher’s Companion: Constellations and Their Mythology

This book discusses the constellations visible from 37° to 60° latitude North. The introduction includes a table of the Greek and Roman gods and heroes and their domains, and a map of the viewing area featured in the book. It explains that many ancient cultures observed groups of stars, imagined lines connecting them and created myths based on these constellations. Each chapter features a nighttime photograph of an actual skyline, with the darkened sky visible above. Stars are named and lines show the constellations, which are also identified. Each photograph indicates the month, time of night and the direction of viewing. Suggested reading list and glossary are included.

Source: The Association of Book Publishers of BC. BC Books for BC Schools. 2008-2009.