Deep-sky observing is easily the most popular field for amateur astronomers. The big problem faced by non-professional observers is what to look at - what is visible at a particular time of year. The Deep-Sky Observers Year is a month-by-month guide to the best objects to view. Objects are given a "star rating" according to how difficult they are to observe or image with a particular size of telescope. The book includes many images produced by amateur astronomers, as well as photographs from NASA, ESA, and ESO. There is background information about the objects, along with lots of useful tips, hints, and resources.

I Preparing for Deep-Sky Observing.- 1 Introduction.- 2 Deep-Sky Observing.- 3 Avoiding Common Mistakes.- 4 The Messier Marathon and Other Pursuits.- 5 What Are We Looking At?.- 6 Atlases and Other Resources.- II The Night Sky Month by Month.- 7 The Star System and Nomenclature.- 8 January - 08 Hours RA.- 9 February - 10 Hours RA.- 10 March - 12 Hours RA.- 11 April - 14 Hours RA.- 12 May - 16 Hours RA.- 13 June - 18 Hours RA.- 14 July - 20 Hours RA.- 15 August - 22 Hours RA.- 16 September - 00/24 Hours RA.- 17 October - 02 Hours RA.- 18 November - 04 Hours RA.- 19 December - 06 Hours RA.- 20 Postscript.- About the Photo Contributors.