Stars Above, Earth Below: A Guide to Astronomy in the National Parks (Springer Praxis Books / Popular Astronomy)

Being a National Parks enthusiast, biologist, astronomy buff, and teacher, I would have picked up this book anyway. Now that I've read a majority of the pages, a copy of this book is now a new and permanent edition to my home.What initially hooked me where Dr Nordgren's photos. Although the book doesn't do justice by some, most are stunning, and capture a unique perspective of the night sky. As I read whatever chapter I desired, I found myself caught up in remarkable aspects of astronomy, native history, legends and quotes, and the author's personal experience all interwoven to highlight the awe of nature, and our links to the Universe through the eyes of the human spirit.At one point, naively, I opened the book to Chapter Two: Black Hole Sun. Black holes are cool, I think, and I'm ready for a lesson like black holes, white dwarfs, neutron stars, etc. I read about Moon and Sun eclipses, a special one over Grand Teton, Moon migration, its alignment with the Sun and the Earth, personal experience of the author in the National Park with his hand-made sextant at scenic spots a, how a location is related to Kepler and his understanding of the orbits, the advance of worldly astro-scientific knowledge despite religious resistances, and once again back to the authors personal experience whereby his contemplation of the universe is disrupted by the end of a solar eclipse. Somewhere I read a comment by a person saying, "I'll read this book tonight". My effort to describe a chapter is but a meager attempt to describe the density and richness found in chapters, what experiences and basic insights are within reach, if not already, of the everyday person, and how interdisciplinary each chapter is. Not to mention the excellent photos, diagrams, and supplemental material that is within each chapter if not throughout the book.Not to be read overnight, I think, but chapters are to be savored. This reader appreciates the dialogue, the transitions and the care in a well-knit presentation of the universe represented in the National Park Night Skies.

It arrived in plenty of time, in great shape, and it was exactly as described. Plus -- I LOVE the pictures and the linking of astronomy (what you can see) to places like the national parks of the US. I've visited a lot of them, and never thought to view the skies in the evening.

I've just finished this book.Dr. Nordgren did an excellent job.He not only connects the earthly landscape to heavenly bodies seamlessly, but also narrates mythology, archaeology and light pollution in a very interesting way.And most of all, all of the astronomical information is precise and up to date.It was very touching to read such a book since I love both astronomy and geology.I live in South Korea where there's no real dark sky.I envy you Americans for having such beautiful National Parks.On top of that, I got to know there are people to enthusiastically protect their own treasure.I am already planning to visit some of National Parks in Utah next spring.I'll pack my camping gears and binoculars to really appreciate the beauty of the night sky in the heart of most exceptional places.

This book does a great job of integrating the author's love of our National Parks with his enthusiasm for astronomy. Dr. Nordgren does a great job of linking the earthbound features/phenomena in Parks with astronomical features/phenomena. It has easily used star maps and fantastic photos of the heavens above our National Parks. I really enjoyed the way the author linked his personal experiences at the Parks with a different astronomy lesson. Each chapter ends with some do-it-yourself astronomy projects that allow the reader his own personal experience with the subject matter. Dr. Nordgren includes numerous helpful and fun astronomy websites that also help further the lessons he is gently teaching.I have already ordered a second copy to give to my father.

This book is a joy to read and the gentle astronomical lessons learned will enhance your night sky appreciation. Whether you choose a chapter at random from the theme of the National Park that strikes your fancy, or choose to read the chapters in order, you will still appreciate and be able to use the list of star maps by month. Dr. Nordgren's photography of our National Parks and the beauty they exhibit in displaying the Milky Way are spectacular. The way the author integrates his personal experience in our National Parks as the stars above display their magnificence, is both humbling and enlightening. The book can be enjoyed by astronomer, photographers, and nature lovers everywhere.

A comprehensive guide to the galaxies above us, comparing the landscapes of our National Parks to what we think are on other planets. An ingenious book which takes us gently through various rolling hills, reverently viewing massive arches formed millions of years ago and glancing down precipitous canyons at our National Parks. At night the Milky Way shows itself above these parks and Professor Nordgren recounts the history of the skies and gives us the ideal months to visit the Parks of our choice. If you like star gazing and enjoying our Parks System, this is a must-have book for you. I bought copies for my family and friends.

I really enjoy this book. As an avid amateur astronomer, I have many dozens of astronomy books, but this one is unique. It not only makes the case for the great resource of dark skies in our national parks, but ties in the geology of the parks to that of neighboring worlds in the solar system. It also addresses the cultural aspects of our parks with respect to astronomy. I have not finished all the chapters, but it is a very rich read. Well worth the price. I have learned a lot already. The last chapter (Starry Night National Park) is supurb.

I've recently gotten into astrophotography, and love the night sky away from city lights. This is a great book for seeing where to go, what to expect, and I hope to travel to many of the places listed.

I looked forward to receiving this book with great anticipation, because the idea sounds wonderful! But I had envisaged at least some beautiful full-page or double-spread illustrations; instead, I found many lovely pictures, but the size of matchboxes, or at most postcards. Yes, the written content is very good, and the illustrations give some idea of what the author finds so inspiring about the national parks and the heavens,but the overall result is disappointing. It could have been so much better. . .