CCD Astrophotography: High-Quality Imaging from the Suburbs

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.

This book details one man's approach to the problem of getting high-quality astronomical images under light-polluted conditions. The author provides a complete and thoroughly tested program that will help every CCD-beginner to work towards digital imaging of the highest quality. The book outlines the materials and (commercially-available) equipment used for high-quality imaging. The many wonderful images the author 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. The book is equally useful to astronomers who have perfect observing conditions, as to those who have to observe from light-polluted city skies.

Explains how to set about obtaining superb CCD images under challenging conditions Outlines a model equipment inventory and a design set-up Discusses image processing techniques in detail Includes computer networking for remote telescope control and image capture Ideal for anyone setting out to obtain the best possible digital astronomical images

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

Klappentext

This is a reference book for amateur astronomers who have become interested in CCD imaging.

Those glorious astronomical images found in astronomy magazines might seem out of reach to newcomers to CCD imaging, but this is not the case. Great pictures are attainable with modest equipment. Adam Stuart's many beautiful images, reproduced in this book, attest to the quality of initially a beginner's efforts.

Chilled-chip astronomical CCD-cameras and software are also wonderful tools for cutting through seemingly impenetrable light-pollution. CCD Astrophotography from the Suburbs describes one man's successful approach to the problem of getting high-quality astronomical images under some of the most light-polluted conditions.

Here is a complete and thoroughly tested program that will help every CCD-beginner to 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.

Inhalt
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.