Cosmic Challenge – The Ultimate Observing List for Amateurs Author: Philip S Harrington Publisher: Cambridge University Press ISBN: 978-0-521-89936-9 Price: £27.50 (Hb), 469pp
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It’s no surprise that most amateur astronomers like a challenge: just tracking down the constellations for the first time is pretty daunting – ask any beginner - so a book highlighting challenging observing targets is likely to prove popular.

It has to be said that Cambridge University Press know how to make books attractive and this hardback is no exception. Well presented, no nonsense, lots of content and very few typos. The targets themselves are preceded by a 26-page discussion of equipment and techniques that is generally interesting, although I’m not certain that knowing what aqueous humour is, greatly helps. After this, Harrington gets into his stride and runs through a range of 187 target fields suitable for observation, using everything from the naked eye to a light bucket Dobsonian employed at a pitch-black site.

The choice of objects is pretty good, with M33, the Gegenschein and Barnard’s Loop all featured. In fact most the objects are worth a look (if you can) but a few just make you wonder, why bother? Einstein’s Cross, yes. Seyfert’s Septet, yes. Abell galaxy cluster 2065? Why? On the whole, however, the objects discussed are interesting or are in some way of historical significance as Harrington explains in the well-written accompanying notes. The notes for each object also contain a map, some details and a telescopic/binocular view, but some of these are a bit too dark and might have been better printed as black on white. In addition, a few decent images of some of the objects would support a better appreciation of what it is we are seeing. Surely an image of NGC 7354 or Stephen’s Quintet is worth a thousand words, and why waste empty paper?

Overall, an interesting and attractive book that will keep most purchasers happy and which may, eventually, become very popular indeed.

Grant Privett