CCD Astrophotography: High-Quality Imaging from the Suburbs

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.

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

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.

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

Résumé

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.

Contenu
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.