The first practical, interactive guide for learning astronomy. Fred Schaaf has spent years perfecting the teaching of skywatching and astronomy to newcomers. Here, he distills his experience into a revolutionary new approach to learning about the night sky. No other book on the market offers anything like the simple, interactive, step-by-step program Schaaf has created for new skywatchers of all ages. The key to Schaaf's ingenious program is a system of practical objectives and activities that get readers actively involved in skywatching. Starting with simple instructions on learning one's way around the night sky and progressing to more challenging concepts, each night's activity takes the reader to a deeper level of knowledge and understanding. All it takes is forty clear nights, and anyone can learn to enjoy the beauty of the heavens. Fred Schaaf has written numerous books for amateur astronomers, including The Starry Room and the Seeing the Sky series. He wrote a weekly newspaper column on astronomy for five years, and is currently a contributor to such magazines as Sky & Telescope, Discover, and Mother Earth News. 40 Nights to Knowing the Sky is a practical, interactive guide for learning astronomy. Fred Schaaf has spent years perfecting the teaching of skywatching and astronomy to newcomers. Here, he distills his experience into a new approach to learning about the night sky that is a simple, interactive, step-by-step program he has created for new skywatchers of all ages.  The key to Schaaf's program is a system of practical objectives and activities that get readers actively involved in skywatching. Starting with simple instructions on learning one's way around the night sky and progressing to more challenging concepts, each night's activity takes the reader to a deeper level of knowledge and understanding. "His keen astronomical interest bubbles from every page . . . The book we will be consulting a decade from now is Schaaf's."—Sky and Telescope "A joy to read. Find a place for it on your library shelf."—Astronomy "Schaaf's knowledge and intensity will inspire even the veteran skywatcher . . . This is a book that will help redefine amateur astronomy."—Chet Raymo, author of 365 Starry Nights "Beautifully written and illustrated."—Publishers Weekly Read Less