The Cambridge Star Atlas (Fourth Edition) Author: Wil Tirion Publisher: Cambridge University Press ISBN:978-0-521-17363-6 Price: £23.99 (Pb, spiral bound) 96pp
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The fourth edition of the Cambridge Star Atlas continues in the tradition of its predecessors in that the star charts are well drawn and clearly labelled. However this new edition also includes some new features not seen in previous editions. These include a map of the Moon for both normal and reversed views for observers with binoculars and small telescopes, along with maps showing the distribution of deep sky objects such as planetary nebulae and galaxies to show how they relate to the Milky Way. The binding has been changed as well so the book opens flat, in common with other recent Cambridge atlases, which is a major plus. There are also a number of large scale charts showing the distribution of the Messier objects as well as a key to the main charts.

The main section of the atlas is a set of twenty charts showing stars down to magnitude +6.5, covering the whole sky. Each chart has an associated table facing it that lists the deep sky objects, including variable and double stars. The charts are one of the few quibbles I have with the book because, as is now common, galaxies are shown in red which makes them difficult if not impossible to see under a red torch that minimises the usefulness of the book in the field. The atlas is also in quite a competitive field with other atlases in a similar price range such as Sky Publishing’s Pocket Star Atlas, Willmann–Bell's  Bright Star Atlas (also by Tirion) and the Webb Society Colour Star Atlas. However, as a first star atlas I think that the clarity of the maps and the additional information provided makes this the atlas of choice for a beginner or someone working with binoculars or small telescopes. I would think however they will outgrow it reasonably rapidly and move on to more detailed atlases.

Owen Brazell