Annals of the Deep Sky - Vol 9 is a comprehensive reference that guides amateur and semipro astronomers into every mind-boggling corner of the observational universe. Each volume presents extensive descriptions of prominent stars and deep-sky objects. No other popular work in astronomy provides the comprehensive historical background and astrophysical appraisals of prominent stars and celestial objects.

This volume is dedicated to the Milky Way’s nearest and largest satellite galaxies, the Magellanic Clouds. Throughout history they have been the subject of awe and wonder, catching the eye of Indigenous peoples of Australia and New Zealand, 16th century mariners, and astronomy’s pioneer observers such as Nicolas-Louis de Lacaille, James Dunlop, and John Herschel. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, northern astronomers began traveling to the Southern Hemisphere to photograph, map out, and study the celestial constituents of what they referred to as Nubecula Major and Nubecula Minor. This book presents not only a thorough historical account of the clouds dating back 40,000 years, but also how astronomers’ ideas of the Clouds have changed over the decades — particularly on the Clouds’ origins, interactions with the Milky Way, and the quizzical aspects of star formation posed by their many unusual clusters and H II regions. Come discover the observational richness and astrophysical conundrums that are the Magellanic Clouds, true treasure islands lying just beyond our Galactic shores.

Annals of the Deep Sky - Vol 9 also includes two special fold-out maps for exploring the Magellanic Clouds in more detail, one showing the Large Magellanic Cloud and the other the Small Magellanic Cloud plus extra detail on the Tarantula Nebula, the star-forming region also known as 30 Doradus.

Author Jeff Kanipe has released the latest edition of this great series and for those of us in the South we are blessed. Volume 9 covers the Magellanic Clouds. Definitely will be in my Library of Southern Hemisphere books, can’t wait.

SKU:WBANN9

Annals of the Deep Sky - Vol 4 : A Survey of Galactic and Extragalactic Objects by Jeff Kanipe and Dennis Webb

“At last: the sky guide we’ve been waiting for! Annals of the Deep Sky melds through-the-eyepiece observing with up-to-date 21st century astrophysics. Its highly readable format should appeal to observers and non-observers alike. ..... operates at many levels. To the novice, it provides guidance and inspiration, offering both basic background and knowledge to grow with. It provides enrichment for established amateurs, pointing out new directions to pursue. And it offers an up-to-date, one-stop astrophysical reference for advanced observers who aspire to contribute to science.”

358 pages, 158 illustrations, softbound.

Covers Canis Minor, Capricornus, Carina, and Cassiopeia.

The newest handbook for Deep-Sky observers.

Annals of the Deep Sky - Vol 4: Foreward

We are happy and proud to present volume four of Annals of the Deep Sky, in which we continue our survey of prominent stars and deep-sky objects in all 88 constellations. With this volume, we are approaching a quarter of the way to completion, though, speaking realistically, we know we have only just begun.... Among the numerous reviews, online discussion boards, and remarks from star party attendees, we’ve not heard one discouraging word. Most gratifying was the reader who likened receiving a new volume to embarking on a journey of exploration.

Readers may not be aware of this, but our labors on this series have taken us on an exciting journey as well. If you dig deeply into almost any subject you come across interesting tid-bits sooner or later, but when the subject is the universe, one never ceases to be amazed. For us, it is a constant state of being. Each day we come across some eye-opening perspective that allows us to depict the celestial objects we profile as real, physical entities, not abstractions removed across vast gulfs of space.

We strive to present stars, nebulae, and galaxies as objects you can pick up and examine as you would an interesting shell or piece of driftwood on the beach, except that we also relate how the shell or driftwood got there, why it has its unique shape, and what form it will take over time. Our discoveries are your discoveries, as is our surprise and astonishment.

This volume spotlights four constellations: Canis Minor, Capricornus, Carina and Cassiopeia.

Canis Minor

Canis Minor is not often at the top of anyone’s observing list, but like its bigger brother, Canis Major, it contains a prominent first-magnitude star, Procyon, with a white dwarf companion nearly hidden in the primary’s glare. The orbit of Procyon B itself is nearly circular, but the periastron and the apastron junctures are rather extreme, ranging from a minimum distance of 9 AU to a maximum of 21AU. Given that apastron occurs sometime around the year 2027, now is a good time to begin looking for Procyon B.

Procyon has been studied using the rapidly developing technique of asteroseismology, the analysis of stellar oscillations....Starlight tells us much about a star’s temperature and chemical makeup, but asteroseismology allows us to view the star from the inside out. A running theme in the Galactic section of Canis Minor isthe number of asterisms and suspect star clusters to be found within its bounds. NGC 2394 is one of these. Although most research suggests it is not a real cluster, other studies contradict this conclusion....

Capricornus

Capricornus is another low-profile constellation, but it does contain Dabih (β Capricorni) that forms a quadruple system definitely worth telescopic scrutiny. Without doubt, the jewel of the Sea Goat is the globular cluster M30, an old object with an extremely dense core and radiating star chains. It is thought that the central density may exceed a million stars per cubic parsec, making it one of the highest-density environments in the Galaxy. Life forms living on a planet in such a locale would never know a night sky, except, perhaps, under rare conditions, reminding us of Isaac Asimov’s science fiction short story, “Nightfall.”
For the galaxy enthusiast, Capricornus also features a double galaxy, NGC 6907 and NGC6908. The larger system, NGC6907, is an easy find, but see if you can spot its companion, “hidden” in the other’s easternmost spiral arm.

Carina

Our next starry fare is Carina, the Keel, formerly known as Argo Navis. What can we say about this sprawling and incredibly bountiful constellation? Dennis has deemed it our masterpiece, and truth be told, there is no shortage of celestial marvels to chronicle and illustrate. We think it safe to say (as much as modesty allows) that our review of the uncanny, volatile star Eta Carinae is one of the more comprehensive available in the popular literature today. Given its enduring observational history and abundance of cutting-edge research, it is deserving of its own book length treatment. Be sure to check out our three-dimensional presentation of the curious bipolar nebula encompassing this star, called the Homunculus, as well as the star’s laser emission and light echoes from the “Great Eruption” in the 1840s.

Of course, there are numerous other objects to explore in Carina, not the least of which is the Carina Nebula (NGC 3372), which lies just east of the dark, hourglass-shaped Keyhole Nebula; NGC 2516, also known as the Southern Beehive; the planetary NGC 2867 with its hot Wolf-Rayet central star; and the extremely rich globular cluster NGC 2808. The southern regionof Carina, away from the Milky Way, also harbors a number of fascinating galaxies, including the pair IC 2554 and NGC 3136B, NGC 3136, a bright elliptical with some internal structure, and, for imagers, an intriguing face-on spiral, NGC 3059.

Cassiopeia

Given its location immersed in the northern Milky Way, Cassiopeia features myriad stars and nonstellar objects of all kinds. Among the former, we offer Caph (β Cassiopeiae), the brightest member of the class of Delta Scuti stars, four Mira-type variables, the triple star Iota (ι) Cassiopeiae, and the massive binary AO Cassiopeiae. Of the latter selection, we include the young planetary nebula IC 289, the bright open clusters M52 and M103, and the extensive star-forming region (with associated star cluster) IC 1805.

In the northern part of the constellation, we find two satellites of the Andromeda Galaxy, the dwarf ellipticals NGC 185 and NGC 147. Those with an abiding interest in the history and on going research into the supernovae remnants Tycho’s Star (SN 1572) and Cassiopeia A will find plenty to mull over, as well as a sidebar on the eccentric Tycho himself. If each volume is truly like a journey of exploration, we hope you think of us as travel guides, pointing out the most interesting aspects of the astr onomical sights we encounter. We are all at the beginning of an adventure without comparison, and without end.

Annals of the Deep Sky - Vol 1 A Survey of Galactic and Extragalactic Objects by Jeff Kanipe and Dennis Webb

“At last: the sky guide we’ve been waiting for! Annals of the Deep Sky melds through-the-eyepiece observing with up-to-date 21st century astrophysics. Its highly readable format should appeal to observers and non-observers alike. ..... operates at many levels. To the novice, it provides guidance and inspiration, offering both basic background and knowledge to grow with. It provides enrichment for established amateurs, pointing out new directions to pursue. And it offers an up-to-date, one-stop astrophysical reference for advanced observers who aspire to contribute to science.”

358Pages 158 illustrations, softbound.

Covers Andromeda, Antlia, Apus, and Aquarius plus Introductions to Basic Astronomy and Astrophysics.

Annals of the Deep Sky Vol 10 explores the constellations of Draco, Equuleus, Eridanus and Fornax, each with a bounty of fascinating stars and nonstellar objects. Draco contains numerous double stars, such as the wide pair Nu Draconis, two fifth-magnitude stars that look alike but are nonetheless very different. One of Draco’s most popular deep-sky objects is the Cat’s Eye Nebula (NGC 6543), the first planetary nebula to be decoded spectroscopically, by William Huggins in 1910. Modest Equuleus can at least boast the spiral galaxy NGC 7040, discovered by Mark Walrod Harrington in 1882. We include a brief, but strange, backstory of Harrington. Eridanus, too, may be a small constellation but it contains the intriguing galactic group associated with NGC 1723 and a “lopsided” galaxy, NGC 1637. Fornax is replete with interesting galaxies, including NGC 1097 with its peculiar nucleus, the shell system NGC 1344, and the “three-ringed” galaxy NGC 1326. And don’t neglect S Fornacis, an odd sun that occasionally exhibits superflares.

Annals of the Deep Sky is a comprehensive reference that guides amateur and semipro astronomers into every mind-boggling corner of the observational universe. Each volume presents extensive descriptions of prominent stars and deep-sky objects. No other popular work in astronomy provides the comprehensive historical background and astrophysical appraisals of prominent stars and celestial objects.

Annals of the Deep Sky - Vol. 2 : A Survey of Galactic and Extragalactic Objects by Jeff Kanipe and Dennis Webb

“At last: the sky guide we’ve been waiting for! Annals of the Deep Sky melds through-the-eyepiece observing with up-to-date 21st century astrophysics. Its highly readable format should appeal to observers and non-observers alike. ..... operates at many levels. To the novice, it provides guidance and inspiration, offering both basic background and knowledge to grow with. It provides enrichment for established amateurs, pointing out new directions to pursue. And it offers an up-to-date, one-stop astrophysical reference for advanced observers who aspire to contribute to science.”

344pages , 244 illustrations, softbound.

Covers Aquila, Ara, Aries, Auriga, Boötes, Caelum plus a 72-page Essential Terminology Glossary.

Annals of the Deep Sky Vol 5 : A Survey of Galactic and Extragalactic Objects by Jeff Kanipe and Dennis Webb,

Volume 5 explores three very rich, and very different, constellations. Centaurus features a detailed overview of the Alpha Centauri system, descriptions of the Scorpius-Centaurus Association (the nearest OB affiliation to the Sun), and the stunning Omega Centauri globular cluster (NGC 5l39). Some time is also spent probing the many levels of the mysterious Centaurus A galaxy (NGC 5128), with its bizarre mixture of spiral and elliptical morphologies.

Cepheus may look dim to the unaided eye, but this constellation hosts some truly beautiful and beguiling objects. These include the star-forming region IC 1396 with its centerpiece, the Elephant Trunk Nebula (see cover image). We take a stroll down the Milky Way to visit several fine star clusters, some still associated with nebulosity, and other star-forming hotbeds.

Finally, Cetus leads us into a largely extragalactic realm where we find the nearby dwarf irregular IC l6l3, the edge-on spiral NGC 1055, and one of the brightest and nearest Seyfert 2 galaxies, M77. But the stars Mira and Tau Ceti are also on the itinerary, both of which have their stories to tell: one of a complex circumstellar environment, the other of possible extraterrestrial life.

We cannot visit these celestial marvels in our own hyperdrive spacecraft (yet), but Annals of the Deep Sky is the next best thing. Turn to page 1 and let it fly you across the universe.

Annals of the Deep Sky - Vol. 3 : A Survey of Galactic and Extragalactic Objects by Jeff Kanipe and Dennis Webb

“At last: the sky guide we’ve been waiting for! Annals of the Deep Sky melds through-the-eyepiece observing with up-to-date 21st century astrophysics. Its highly readable format should appeal to observers and non-observers alike. ..... operates at many levels. To the novice, it provides guidance and inspiration, offering both basic background and knowledge to grow with. It provides enrichment for established amateurs, pointing out new directions to pursue. And it offers an up-to-date, one-stop astrophysical reference for advanced observers who aspire to contribute to science.”

344pages, 199 illustrations, softbound.

Covers Cameloparadalis, Cancer, Canes Venatici, Canis Major plus Worlds of Discovery: The Search for Exoplanets.

By Jeff Kanipe 

Product information: Softbound, 6 by 9 inches, 432 pages, first published 2024, colour.

Annals of the Deep Sky is a comprehensive reference that guides amateur and semipro astronomers into every mind-boggling corner of the observational universe. Each volume presents extensive descriptions of prominent stars and deep-sky objects. No other popular work in astronomy provides the comprehensive historical background and astrophysical appraisals of prominent stars and celestial objects.

In Volume 11, we delve into the celestial smorgasbord found in the constellations Gemini, Grus, Hercules, Horologium, and Hydra. Featured objects include the open cluster M35 in Gemini, as well as the strange case of NGC 2371-72, one of the most unusual examples of a planetary nebula. The southern constellation Grus contains IC 5148, a large planetary nebula with an unusual inner-tube-like morphology, as well as the grand design, multi-armed spiral galaxy NGC 7424, which contains a number of enigmatic radio and X-ray sources. Hercules hosts the great globular clusters M13 and M92, of course, and imagers will want to target Abell 2151, the rich Hercules Cluster that links up with the Great Wall of galaxies. Horologium contains the remarkable star Gliese 1061, a solar neighbour harbouring a planetary system. And don’t forget to check out the globular cluster NGC 1261 and the stunning Seyfert galaxy NGC 1433. Finally, Hydra’s showcase object is the Southern Pinwheel Galaxy, M83; other attractions include the face-on multiarm spiral galaxy NGC 2835 and the spectacular pair NGC 3314A and B — two entwined galaxies with different orientations.

Annals of the Deep Sky Vol 8: A Survey of Galactic and Extragalactic Objects by Jeff Kanipe.

The Annals of the Deep Sky: A Survey of Galactic and Extragalactic Objects is a comprehensive reference that guides astronomy enthusiasts into every mind-boggling corner of the observational universe. Each volume presents extensive descriptions of prominent stars and deep-sky objects in both the Northern and Southern hemisphere skies, including rarely observed objects and other celestial exotica. Incorporating the most recent findings in astrophysics and cosmology, deep historical context, and captivating illustrations and images, Annals provides readers with in-depth profiles of celestial objects beyond the solar system. The mission of every Annals volume is to guide observers on their own astronomical journey of exploration, whether it be at the eyepiece or from the comfort of a favorite chair on a rainy night. No other popular work in astronomy provides the comprehensive historical background and astrophysical appraisal of prominent celestial objects. We cannot visit these celestial marvels in our own hyperdrive spacecraft (yet), but Annals of the Deep Sky is the next best thing. Turn to page 1 and let it fly you across the universe.

Annals sorts the night sky into Galactic objects (those within the Milky Way) and extragalactic objects beyond our galaxy. Each chapter begins with an overall description of the pertinent constellation, its mythology if any, visibility, and overall appearance. From here, we move on to the building blocks of the Milky Way: stars in all their many forms, bright and dark nebulae, molecular clouds, star-forming regions, planetary nebulae, star clusters of every kind, and even the occasional telescopic asterism. Then, through the Milky Way framed by each constellation, we peer out into extragalactic space.

Volume 8 explores three of the most fascinating constellations in the night sky.

Cygnus is extremely rich, particularly in nebulae. Featured objects include popular favorites such as Chi Cygni, which has one of the largest visual amplitudes among Mira-class stars; P Cygni, a supernova in the making; the North America and Pelican nebulae; NGC 6888, the Crescent Nebula; and the radio galaxy Cygnus A.

Delphinus include the nova, HR Delphini; the bright globular clusters NGC 6394 and NGC 7006; and the galaxy groups of NGC 6928 and NGC 6956.

Dorado leads us into the wonders of the southern sky beginning with the close binary Alpha Doradus; R Doradus, known for having the largest apparent diameter of any star in the sky except the Sun; and the beautiful face-on spiral galaxy, NGC 1566.

By Jeff Kanipe 

Product information: Softbound, 6 by 9 inches, 432 pages, first published 2024, colour.

Annals of the Deep Sky is a comprehensive reference that guides amateur and semipro astronomers into every mind-boggling corner of the observational universe. Each volume presents extensive descriptions of prominent stars and deep-sky objects. No other popular work in astronomy provides the comprehensive historical background and astrophysical appraisals of prominent stars and celestial objects.

In volume 12 of Annals of the Deep Sky, explore the realms of Hydrus, Indus, Lacerta, Leo, Leo Minor, Lepus, Libra, and Lupus. Featured objects in Hydrus include NGC 602, a young version of the Orion Nebula, and NGC 1466, a bright, rich globular cluster. In Indus, the galaxy pair NGC 6935/6937 presents very different spiral-type morphologies. Lacerta harbors BL Lacertae, the prototype of a class of active galactic nuclei.

Leo includes the famous Leo Triplet and the striking pair M95 and M96, and Leo Minor includes the two interacting systems of Arp 107 and NGC 3395/3396. Lepus has R Leporis, the symbiotic star SS Leporis, and an incipient planetary nebula.  Libra includes the Algol-type variable Delta Librae, HD 140283, and NGC 5728, a triple-ringed Seyfert 2 galaxy.

Finally, Lupus hosts the Lupus Clouds, among the nearest low-mass star-forming regions; IC 4406, an edge-on planetary nebula; and NGC 5643, a grand design spiral galaxy with complex inner structure.

The Annals of the Deep Sky Vol 7: A Survey of Galactic and Extragalactic Objects is a comprehensive reference that guides astronomy enthusiasts into every mind-boggling corner of the observational universe. Each volume presents extensive descriptions of prominent stars and deep-sky objects in both the Northern and Southern hemisphere skies, including rarely observed objects and other celestial exotica. Incorporating the most recent findings in astrophysics and cosmology, deep historical context, and captivating illustrations and images, Annals provides readers with in-depth profiles of celestial objects beyond the solar system. The mission of every Annals volume is to guide observers on their own astronomical journey of exploration, whether it be at the eyepiece or from the comfort of a favorite chair on a rainy night. No other popular work in astronomy provides the comprehensive historical background and astrophysical appraisal of prominent celestial objects.

Covers; Corona Borealis, Corvus, Crater and Crux.

ISBN: 978-1942675136

The Annals of the Deep Sky Vol 6: A Survey of Galactic and Extragalactic Objects is a comprehensive reference that guides astronomy enthusiasts into every mind-boggling corner of the observational universe. Each volume presents extensive descriptions of prominent stars and deep-sky objects in both the Northern and Southern hemisphere skies, including rarely observed objects and other celestial exotica. Incorporating the most recent findings in astrophysics and cosmology, deep historical context, and captivating illustrations and images, Annals provides readers with in-depth profiles of celestial objects beyond the solar system. The mission of every Annals volume is to guide observers on their own astronomical journey of exploration, whether it be at the eyepiece or from the comfort of a favorite chair on a rainy night. No other popular work in astronomy provides the comprehensive historical background and astrophysical appraisal of prominent celestial objects.

Covers; Chamaeleon, Circinus, Columba, Coma Berenices and Corona Australis.

ISBN: 978-1942675112