The following review appears in The Planetarian, the journal of the International Planetarium Society, December 2011, Vol. 40, No. 4, pages 62-63, written by the book review editor, April Whitt, of the Fernbank Planetarium in Atlanta, GA:Useful Star Names; With Nebulas and other Celestial FeaturesThomas Wm. Hamilton, Strategic Book Group, Durham, Connecticut, 2011, ISBN 978-1-61204-614-3“I wanted to let you know about this volume with the descriptive title in time for stocking your gift shops and book stores for the new year. It is, indeed, full of useful star names. And not just the usual Greek letters or catalog numbers, either.The author introduces the work as derived from “my experience of many years in the planetarium field.” Each of us has pointed out stars and constellations on the dome, in the night sky, or on a star map. We have all told stories of gods and heroes. Some of us have struggled with unfamiliar pronunciations, wondered where a particular story came from, or related the difference between Zubenelgenubi and Zubeneschamali. A few have even won “constellation shoot-out” contests with that.The book is divided into four sections. An alphabetical listing of the 88 constellations and the meanings of their names is first. Second is a list of stars, nebulae and galaxies by constellation, with the accepted scientific designations for the named ones. This is the really useful section: a concise source for catalog listing, spectral class, distance in lightyears, R.A. and Dec., and apparent magnitude.Many of the Chinese names were new to me, and a delight to add to the night sky knowledge (although I will need help with pronunciation).An alphabetical listing of all names, the original language of each, and English translation and pronunciation is third. The last section lists entries from various catalogs cross listed to constellations.Recommend this book to your local astronomy club. Share it with a telescope user-beginner. Purchase a copy for your planetarium library. It really is full of useful star names, and other good information.”

New York Times bestseller Maureen Johnson takes on Jack the Ripper in this captivating paranormal thriller! The day that Louisiana teenager Rory Deveaux arrives in London to start a new life at boarding school is also the day a series of brutal murders breaks out over the city, killings mimicking the horrific Jack the Ripper spree of more than a century ago. Soon "Rippermania" takes hold of modern-day London, and the police are left with few leads and no witnesses. Except one. Rory spotted the man police believe to be the prime suspect. But she is the only one who saw him--the only one who can see him. And now Rory has become his next target. In this edge-of-your-seat thriller, full of suspense, humor, and romance, Rory will learn the truth about the secret ghost police of London and discover her own shocking abilities.

Ancient observations and folklore provide the basis for an exploration of astronomical nomenclature

Choosing your baby’s name is incredibly important, as the name carries a unique weight and meaning that the girl or boy will carry for life. The meaning of a name is often the reason behind the choice, but what about other more fascinating influences? Astrology has helped shape and guide us for millennia, and can even reveal hidden aspects of our potential and personality. The stars are able to give a fresh dimension to our names, so selecting one isn’t the exclusive reserve of the newly born, but is for adults, too! If you’re looking for a name to suit your child (or even yourself!), this comprehensive A–Z guide from Russell Grant is ideal. Arranged by sun sign, with a special appendix covering the planetary rulers, it has everything you need to decide on the right name to bring out the best in your baby or you, including a special fact file for each zodiac sign, how the planets influence every name, and thousands of names from around the world. Choosing your baby’s name has never been so much fun!

Star names, the zodiac, constellations; folklore, and literature associated with heavens. Based on years of thorough research into astronomical writings and observations of the ancient Chinese, Arabic, Euphrates, Hellenic, and Roman civilizations.