Short description
A complete and thoroughly tested program to help every CCD-beginner work towards digital imaging of the highest quality. It is equally useful to astronomers who have perfect observing conditions, as to those who have to observe from light-polluted city skies.
Long description
This book details an approach to the problem of getting high-quality astronomical images under light-polluted conditions. The book is for amateur astronomers interested in CCD imaging, especially those who have to work under suburban conditions. It outlines the materials and equipment used for high-quality imaging. The many wonderful images produced allow the reader to see the product of -- initially -- a fellow beginner's efforts. Respectable images are attainable with modest equipment. This book outlines a complete and thoroughly tested working program for every beginner to achieve high-quality digital imaging.
Review
From the reviews: In this book, US amateur Adam Stuart struts his stuff by turning his personal experiences ! into a full-length book. What I especially liked is that the author goes to great lengths to show what a variety of instruments can do ! . Stuart does a really nice job presenting astrophotography ! I for one found many of his tips and suggestions to be invaluable. The best feature of this book is ! high-quality colour images ! . the author must truly be congratulated! (Neil English, Astronomy Now, March, 2007) Adam Stuart's book is a practical, enthusiastic, hands-on tale of the numerous challenges he faced and overcame during the construction of a home observatory under the light-polluted skies of southern Florida. (David Malin, Australian Physics, Vol. 43 (5), 2006)
Table of contents
- The Challenge of Imaging under a Light-Polluted Sky.- Equipment Inventory.- Telescopes.- 10 LX200 f/10 Classic.- Stellarvue Nighthawk with Crayford Focuser.- Takahashi FS 60-C.- Superwedge and Pier.- CCD Camera.- Observatory and creature comforts.- Computer and cables.- Software for observing and telescope control.- Software for image processing.- Autoguider.- Accessories.- ToUcam camcorder.- A Night of Imaging under the Stars (and Clouds).- Processing Astrophotos Made Simple.- A Collection of Astrophotos.- What to Do with All Those Photos?.- An Introduction to Minor Body Astrometry.- Invaluable Contacts and Links.- Glossary of Terms Used in this Book.- Formulae.- Index.