* Catching Light * For Stargazers *
City Lights Bookstore is located in downtown Sylva, North Carolina (Population: 3K, Bortle: 5). We encourage folks to go outside on clear nights and catch some starlight. Set up a reclining lawn chair away from sources of stray light. Maybe prop your elbows on the chair arms to steady a binocular or let your unaided eyes take in the skyscape. If the moon's not flooding the sky with reflected sunlight, how many meteors do you count in an hour? Can you spot any planets or perhaps some faint fuzzy objects? How about patches of blackness set against the blue/gray background sky? Have you ever split a double or appreciated the different colors of light that reach us from neighboring stars? If you're curious about what's up there, visit us to look at our selection of new and used optics. In addition to a modest selection of tools and accessories, we stock a fine range of books, magazines, and charts to inform and delight the amateur astronomer. Scroll down to see some highlights, and please inquire about the availability of used copies.
Is your astro appetite whetted? If you live in western North Carolina, consider joining the Asheville Astronomy Club and check out the opportunities at Western Carolina University and Southwestern Community College. Worthy organizations spanning larger swaths of North America include The Astronomical League, The Association of Lunar and Planetary Observers (ALPO), The Royal Astronomical Society of Canada, and Sociedad Astronomica de Mexico. There are a couple of good podcasts geared toward amateur observers: The Actual Astronomy Podcast and ALPO's Observer's Notebook.
Click the following links to browse additional book lists focused on young stargazers, cultural astronomy, planetary science, spaceflight, and astrophysics.
18-inch Planisphere contains all 110 Messier Objects plus dozens of additional deep sky treasures. Perfect for budding astronomers who want to learn the night sky, as well as for seasoned observers who are working on the Astronomical League's Messier program, or those participating in a Messier Marathon! All astronomers will love the easy to use format, the quick reference on the back, and the locator charts for difficult objects. The large star chart is easy to see, even with dark adapted vision. Colors are optimized for viewing under red light. Made by Celestial Teapot.
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Current issue. Price subject to change. Some back issues may be available.
Download Audiobooks
We've partnered with Libro.fm to bring you a top-notch option for digital audiobooks. Take a look at our large catalog of recorded books at https://libro.fm/citylightsnc