I have been stargazing for nearly half a century. But I have yet to see all the sky's bright telescopic wonders. I don't mind. I'm in no rush. Unlike time and tide, the deep-sky objects we seek seem to hang around and wait for us to care. I suspect we all care. But I also understand that the task of seeking out these wonders without some guidance can be overwhelming. I felt that way recently when I forgot my star atlas on one very clear night. The stars shined down in magnificent splendor, the Milky Way appeared rich and pure, a marvel to behold. But I also felt a sense of loss, in that, without an atlas in hand, I didn't know where to point my telescope to find new wonders. The fact is, when it comes to taking any journey, guidance helps.

That's why I write these books. By sharing with you lists of celestial objects that have inspired me over the years, I hope to chart a course for you through the stars, to help you see its deep-sky splendors and enrich your time under the night sky. Besides, half the fun of any journey is sharing what we've learned along the way. This book is my latest message to you about yet another “romp” through the heavens and the wonders I have seen.