The Classical Astronomy Celestial Almanack Review

The Classical Astronomy Celestial Almanack

a Visual Representation of the sky

Author:  Jay Ryan
Web Site:  http://www.currclick.com/product_info.php?products_id=68718
Ages:  Middle School to Adult
Cost: $3.00

My husband is a star gazer.  He’s always been interested in looking at the stars and identifying constellations.  Countless times he’s come into the house of an evening and asked us to step outside to show us a constellation or to just marvel at the stars on a clear night.

Last year, my younger son studied astronomy as a middle schooler.  It was a fun subject that he really enjoyed.  I wish we had known about the Celestial Almanac then – what a terrific supplement it would have been.

This Almanac is a monthly download from curr-click costing only three dollars, but chock full of all kinds of astronomical information.  For example – have you ever wondered why there is a leap year?  Or which constellations are present in the daytime sky?  Or why the winter sky is best for enjoying the starry night?

This simple twenty-page booklet, written in the style of Poor Richard’s Almanac, is a veritable wealth of star-studded information.  (Pardon my pun.)  Vivid pictures are included to really help the reader understand the science behind astronomy and to appreciate the beauty of studying the stars.  What I love most is the author’s passion for his subject.  Here’s the best example from the email we received in addition to the download:

“Thanks so much for your help in spreading the word about the exciting sky events coming up in 2012. Over the next six months, the Celestial Almanack will be promoting three very rare sky events for 2012:

1) the Jupiter-Venus conjunction on March 15 (once every 24 years);
2) the annular solar eclipse on May 20 (once every 18 years); and
3) the transit of Venus on June 5 (last one til 2117!).

I'm absolutely frantic about trying to make sure that every single American, besides homeschoolers, finds out about these events and how to observe them! Thanks for your help in making that happen!

God bless and clear skies!  - jay ryan”

That's passion!  That’s the kind of teaching I seek out for my children, and that's the kind of passion that is delivered in these Almanacs.  The audience for the Celestial Almanack would probably be Middle School ages and up.  However, with parental input, younger sibilings would enjoy the experience as well.

If you are thinking about studying astronomy with your homeschoolers, or if you are already, you will love this inexpensive addition to your curriculum.  I have the feeling my husband will be downloading future additions as well.

If, after downloading, you are as impressed with his work as I am, venture over to Jay Ryan's web site, http://www.classicalastronomy.com, to see the other exciting astronomy related products he offers. 

To see other reviews from the TOS Homeschool Crew – click here.

*** I received this download free of charge as a member of the TOS Homeschool Crew in exchange for my honest review.