Well known in the astronomy community for his remarkable skills as a visual observer, Stephen O’Meara was the first to sight Halley’s Comet on its 1985 return and the first to determine the rotation period of the distant planet, Uranus. Stephen is a regular contributor to highly regarded astronomy journals and magazines. When not writing, he is also a photographer/videographer for National Geographic, and was a National Geographic-funded explorer. The International Astronomical Union named Asteroid 3637 O’Meara in his honour. He lives in Botswana with his wife, where they run yoga and stargazing safaris.
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Night Skies of Botswana
R260.00This easy-to-use, accessible guide to starwatching in Botswana is ideal for beginner and amateur stargazers. All stars described can be seen with the naked eye – binoculars and telescopes are not necessary.
The book opens with stargazing tips while introducing important astronomical concepts, describing our galaxy and the Earth’s place in it.
The body of the book offers four star charts per month giving views from north, south, east and west, with supporting descriptions of the stars and constellations. Users can dip in during any month.
The final chapter surveys the solar system, including the Sun, Moon, planets and leftover debris. There’s information on a meteorite strike in Botswana in 2018, and how to identify artificial satellites orbiting the Earth (including the International Space Station).
Botswana’s ancestral stories about the stars are scattered throughout the book, honouring indigenous interpretations of the night skies and giving a unique African flavour.