It is, for the first time, in two forms: an electronic book and a printed book.
You may remember the classic Astronomical Calendars that were printed for the years from 1974 to 2016. People have said they sorely miss those books, and pleaded for their return. It seemed impossible – they were so much work – but where there’s a will there’s a way!
The 2023 book is like the former ones but in more compact size (8.5 by 11 inches), so that there are more pages (139). The content is as vast as before: monthly spreads with listings of events (nearly 600 altogether) and sky dome and solar-sytem view; many sky scenes; sections on the Sun and seasons, the Moon, eclipses, occultations, each planet, asteroids, meteor showers; full explanation, and a glossary of terms. Unlike the former books, the 2023 book has full color. Yet it is $9 cheaper!
Take a look at the sampling of illustrations, in our web page. As that page points out:
The printed book is handy for referring from page to page. Coming to a date when there is a meteor shower or an opposition of Jupiter, you can also turn to the full information in the section on the planet or the “Meteors” section. You can compare the globe pictures for the April and October solar eclipses.
An advantage of the e-book is that you can zoom in to see the illustrations in exquisite detail, magnified to full resolution. Another advantage is that you can search the document to find places where, for instance, “Neptune” or “eclipse season” is mentioned. There is a tip on how best to display the e-book on your device.
Thank you for making this available in print again, ordered as soon as I saw it through EarthSky. Thank you!
I am with those who prefer a provider other than Amazon – but as that was the only option to get the Astronomical Companion in hard copy, bit the bullet and went through Amazon. Ten years ago I printed a lengthy (100pp) curriculum that had similar demands as the Astronomical Calendar, using a printer in upstate New York. If it is of any help, this link may lead to some other printing sources:
https://self-publishingschool.com/print-on-demand-books/
I would also be happy to help source a printer who could meet the needs for an Astronomical Calendar as you had previously produced.
Producing both digital and hard copy of the Astronomical Calendar is a good decision. Much of my work is digitally based, but I do prefer having material in print – perhaps the habits of age drive this – and making both available provides a good solution that works for all.
Try not to give Bezos any business if I can possibly avoid it. Hate how he makes it so easy to have himself as first/only choice
We are VERY happy and excited about the Calendar being back in hard copy ….we like actually touching a real book and turning the pages…you don’t have to charge a cheaper price…your admirers will pay whatever you want to charge! THANK YOU…Ric and Jan, Kent, Ohio USA
Sorry for the double entry here. Can’t seem to figure out how to erase one of them
Do you know an outlet so that I can avoid Amazon?
I’m afraod not, this time; I may try Ingram later, but they make it more difficult than Amazon does. I’m looking into some other print-on-demand firms.
I just ordered the 2023 printed calendar ~ I agree with Andrew Hans that the printed book is much more convenient and enjoyable to read. Looking forward to reading what you have to say about (presumably) Canopus! I recall once back in one of your mid-1990’s calendars, Fred Schaaf wrote about Canopus in the Deep Sky Profiles section, which I always enjoyed. Thank you so much for making a printed calendar available again!
I am an odd bird, in that I prefer hard copies over digital.
That said, I’ve ordered the printed copy and await its arrival.
Any outlet other than Amazon available?
Sorry to say no (see replies to others). I may try to get it available also through IngramSpark, but they make it less easy. Working on it.
Guy: Thank you, thank you, thank you. I can’t wait to get a hard copy of the Astronomical Calendar. I have a collection of them going back to the late 80s. Was upset when it went electronic. For the most part I don’t like electronic books. Especially for something as technical as this subject and all you cram into the book. So, again yippee!
Andrew H.