Designed with the beginner in mind and useful to anyone interested in astronomy. <I>Star Maps for Beginners</I> is the classic guide to viewing and understanding the heavens. Its superb maps -- drawn in the shape of two crossed ellipses -- provide the reader with a unique perspective on the sky and have been widely acknowledged as the easiest system yet devised for locating any constellation at any time of the year. <P> Now revised for the 1990s, with updated planet charts and a new section on spotting meteor showers. <I>Star Maps for Beginners</I> includes: <P> <B>12 complete maps -- one for each month -- showing the positions of the constellations viewed from every direction<P> a synoptic table that shows how to choose the proper map for use at any time special tables that give approximate positions of the planets for the years 1992 through 1997<P> the most up-to-date overview of the solar system available today the latest facts about each of the planets -- orbit, size, atmosphere, internal structure, climate, and terrain<P> a full chapter on the history and development of the constellations, and the ancient legends and mythological lore surrounding them<P> a special section on meteors -- how they originate and when and where to spot them.</B> <P> Initially published in 1942 and now celebrating its 50th anniversary, <I>Star Maps for Beginners</I> has sold more than 450,000 copies.