Stephen O’Meara well known in the astronomy community for his remarkable skills as a visual observer, 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 Image Collection, 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, Deborah Carter, who runs yoga and stargazing safaris.
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Night Skies of Botswana
R280.00This 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.
• Thee body of the book offers four monthly star charts (views from north, south, east and west), with supporting descriptions of the stars and constellations. The star charts can be used anywhere in southern Africa.
• The final chapter surveys the solar system, including the Sun, Moon, planets and minor objects. 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 sky and giving a unique African flavour.