Why is the sky blue and why are sunsets red? When can I see a rainbow? Why is the moon sometimes visible in daylight? In Out of the Blue skywatcher John Naylor offers practical advice about where and when you can expect to see natural phenomena, what you will see and how to improve your chances of seeing it. He takes in both the night and the day sky, and deals only with what can be seen with the naked eye. Drawing on science, history, literature and mythology, and written in a popular style that assumes only basic scientific know-how, Out of the Blue is for everyone who enjoys being outdoors and who feels curious or puzzled about things optical and astronomical.

‘ … it addresses all aspects of natural phenomena seen in the sky, day and night. The pictures are excellent, some of the best I have seen published in a book of this kind, and are complemented by precise figures to show the detail of the process. The text is clear and interesting, full of examples and accounts of the diverse phenomena described. … All in all a most satisfactory read.’

Source: A&G

‘This book is about looking up to the sky. John Naylor belongs to the happy band of people who have, from childhood looked upward with awe and wonder at the amazing number of natural phenomena visible to the understanding gaze. In this book, that understanding is presented to the reader … in a beautifully organised and effective piece of educational material … The excellent index makes it suitable as a reference book, so it should be in every school and college library.’

Eddie Richards Source: Gnonom

‘Naylor includes some intriguing historical and personal anecdotes that amateurs of all levels should appreciate. His research and writing go a step beyond anything you'd expect to find in a rudimentary beginner’s guide. Out of the Blue, which should help to inspire skywatchers of all ages - dedicated amateurs or not.’

Source: Sky & Telescope

'It would make an ideal reference book for anybody interested in the sky, night or day, as well as providing an introduction to more specialist texts in the subjects covered.'

Source: Weather

‘I would thoroughly recommend this book to anyone with an interest in optical and astronomical phenomena.’

Source: Astronomy Now

‘… the book is well suited for everyone interested in naked-eye observations of the sky.’

Source: Orion

‘There is a huge amount of detail covered in this very readable and well presented book.’

Source: Astronomy & Space