Terrence Dickinson is a leading amateur astronomer and science writer who lives near the rural town of Yarker , Ontario. He has written approximately fourteen books including Nightwatch: A Practical Guide to Viewing the Universe and The Background Astronomer's Guide, and his works have been credited as some of the best resources available for beginners in astronomy. He teaches part-time at St. Lawrence College and the asteroid 5272 Dickinson is named after him.

Biography

Terrence became interested in astronomy at age 5, after seeing a bright meteor. When he was 14 he recieved a 60mm telescope as a Christmas present: the first of nearly 20 telescopes he has owned. Past occupations include editor of Astronomy magazine and planetarium instructor. He became a full time science writer in 1976. In 1995 Dickinson recieved the Order of Canada, which is the nation's highest civilian achievement award.

Publications

• Nightwatch: A Practical Guide to Viewing the Universe
• A Backyard Astronomer's Guide
• The Universe and Beyond
• Exploring the Night Sky
• Exploring the Sky by Day
• From the Big Bang to Planet X