Book
Review:
Star Talker 2004 CD
Paul J. Riehle,
Narrated by Scott Gordon
By Brett Platko
I came across this book set quite by accident. I was looking for a good introductory guide that would teach me how to quickly navigate constellations and to identify key stars. After several internet searches I discovered an audio CD based course. Intrigued by a reference guide that not only would help me recognize star patterns but would correctly help me pronounce the star and constellation names, I decided to give it a try. The program is packaged as a teaching aid and contains 4 one-hour narrative audio CDs, 20 star charts, 4 sky maps and a teaching tutorial. The tutorial covers concepts and definitions about stargazing, contains a glossary of common terms, 200 seasonal questions and answers, and several teaching activities (constellation trace, word match, and observing check lists).
Each CD covers a season. Using the accompanying star charts, the author starts with a base constellation and then using easy to remember tips walks you though the night sky pointing out key stars, nebulas, constellations, and clusters. During the walkthrough, he interjects historical information and legends that make the experience quite enjoyable. The star charts are clear, uncomplicated, and easy to use (sky detail is provided in the sky maps). I highly recommend this set for beginning stargazers and those more experienced who want to hear fascinating stories about the night sky.
The CD set is available from www.startalker.com, and several home-schooling sites for about $50.00. I was able to get a copy from Hardin Optical for $29.00 (ST04CD).
Table of Contents
Spring CD:
Track 1 Introduction
Track 2 Ursa Major, Lynx, Ursa Minor
Track 3 Leo, Leo Minor, Sextans, Cancer, Hydra
Track 4 Bootes, Virgo, Coma Berenices, Corvus, Carter
Summer CD:
Track 1 Introduction
Track 2 Lyra, Cygnus, Aquila
Track 3 Sagitta, Vulpecula, Deplhinus, Equuleus, Capricornus
Track 4 Scutum, Sagittarius
Track 5 Hercules, Corona Borealis
Track 6 Draco
Track 7 Scorpius, Ophiuchus/Serpens, Libra
Autumn CD:
Track 1 Introduction
Track 2 Pegasus, Andromeda, Pisces, Aries, Triangulum
Track 3 Cassiopeia, Cepheus, Lacerta
Track 4 Aquarius, Cetus
Winter CD:
Track 1 Introduction
Track 2Orion, Lepus
Track 3 Taurus, Pleiades, Eridanus
Track 4 Auriga, Perseus, Camelopardalis
Track 5 Gemini, Canis Minor, Canis Major, Monoceros