Under The Microscope

NIGHT SKY ACTION PACK; William Heinemann Australia/Reed, 1994; $29.95

This box of interesting bits and pieces is subtitled An Interactive Guide for Young Astronomers, but it's something I cheerfully spent a couple of hours working my way through without feeling talked down to. The small amount of written material is straightforward, informative and well illustrated. It's nicely practical too, with the Solar System booklet providing useful tips on planet spotting.

Where this really succeeds are the range of "actions" encouraged. There's a planisphere to build, complete with northern and southern hemisphere; a satellite orbit model (the modern equivalent of an armillary sphere); one of the best basic demonstrations of solar and lunar eclipses I've seen. You've got hours of informative entertainment for casual astronomers of any age.

Vicki Hyde is the editor of New Zealand Science Monthly.