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The graph of times of rising and setting of the Sun, planets and selected bright stars has been enhanced by the addition of an extensive table of corrections for places throughout Southern Africa. Several tables of solar system data were added to this edition: discovery of planetary satellites, the Cassini space craft mission to Saturn, and physical & orbital data for the planets.
The sections dealing with comets and double stars have been expanded. The Directors of these Observing Sections have prepared introductory observing guides to these fields of study.
First-time star gazers may find the simple star charts on page 92 useful for identifying the brightest stars and constellations. A circumpolar chart, with simple orientation instructions, is on page 93.
The final section contains a list of useful websites and a glossary, defining commonly used terminology.
The South African Astronomical Observatory has a special four-page supplement describing its activities and highlighting SALT, the Southern African Large Telescope, which is expected to be operational by the end of 2005.
Price
With book prices typically in the three-digits, you will be pleasantly surprised to learn that the 2005 SkyGuide sells for only R50!
How to get your copy
Available mid-November 2004! Avoid disappointment and place an order now -- the 2004 SkyGuide was sold out in record time.
If you are a book seller, enquire from our Business Manager about the special discounts available to bookshops. Placing a bulk order early will avoid disappoinment! The ISSN Number for the SkyGuide is 0571-7191 is and the barcode no. is 9 770571 719021.
Contact the ASSA Business Manager, PO Box 9, Observatory, 7935 e-mail [cliffturk@yebo.co.za] to secure your copies.
What others have said...
"Whether you are a never-looked-up-at-the-night-sky novice or experienced professional, this Guide is packed with everything you need to know. Dont go out in the dark without one!"
-- Prof. TONY FAIRALL, Astronomy Dept., UCT and Iziko Planetarium
"A valuable resource for anyone needing information about astronomy, be they professional astronomers, dedicated amateurs, casual skygazers or concerned teachers.I keep a copy next to my telephone so I have quick access to all the necessary information I need to answer queries."
-- Prof. DERCK P. SMITS, Dept. Maths, Applied Maths & Astronomy, UNISA
About the cover photo
This deepfield image by Robert Gendler of a 3° by 4° area in Orion includes at bottom right, Zeta Orionis (Alnitak), the westernmost star in Orion's belt, and close to it NGC 2024, the Flame Nebula, as well as the elusive Horsehead Nebula. At the top right is the Great Nebula in Orion (M42) which is at the centre of the' Sword of Orion'. The image is a mosaic assembled from over 20 hours of exposures, using three different telescopes. Further details and more images at [http://www.robgendlerastropics.com/] The image is © Robert Gendler 2004 and is reproduced with permission.
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updates & additional material - corrections - 
The first section is the monthly sky diary, giving a summary of events for each month, such as phenomena relating to the Sun, Moon, planets, comets and meteor showers. 