CCD Astrophotography: High-Quality Imaging from the Suburbs / Edition 1

by Adam Stuart

Overview

Not all amateur astronomers who live in a suburban location realize just how very effective a ‘chilled-chip’ astronomical CCD-camera and software can be at cutting through seemingly impenetrable light-pollution. CCD Astrophotography from the Suburbs details one man’s approach to the problem of getting high-quality astronomical images under light-polluted conditions. Adam Stuart has written this reference book for all amateur astronomers who are interested in CCD imaging, especially those who have to work under suburban conditions. The book outlines the materials and (commercially-available) equipment used for high-quality imaging. The many wonderful images Dr. Stuart has produced allow the reader to see the product of – initially – a fellow beginner’s efforts. The glorious images found in numerous books, and especially those seen in Sky and Telescope magazine – might seem out of reach. But this is not really the case. 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.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780387262413
Publisher:	Springer New York
Publication date:	06/05/2006
Series:	The Patrick Moore Practical Astronomy Series
Edition description:	2006
Pages:	193
Product dimensions:	6.10(w) x 9.25(h) x 0.02(d)

About the Author

Adam Stuart is a medical doctor, and of course an experienced amateur astronomer.

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.

Editorial Reviews

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)

From the Publisher