Star Guide Keyed to Oregon Sky

Written in a folksy, down-to-earth style, Mike Lynch's "Oregon StarWatch" (Voyageur, $24.95) is a user-friendly guide to the night sky for beginner and intermediate stargazers ages 12 and up.

It begins with chapters explaining the stars, nebulae, star clusters and galaxies — and what readers can expect to see from their own backyards with a modicum of equipment.

"Oregon StarWatch" then examines the major constellations, offering updated tales of the mythology surrounding them and their essential movement in the sky. Later chapters delve into the moon, solar and lunar eclipses, planets and "celestial extras," such as comets, meteor showers and the aurora borealis.

The final chapter provides advice on purchasing a telescope and other stargazing equipment. Appendices include monthly star maps for the 45-degree north latitude, a local resource guide and a list of Oregon's brightest stars.