An Amateur's Guide to Observing and Imaging the Heavens

Description

An Amateur's Guide to Observing and Imaging the Heavens is a highly comprehensive guidebook that bridges the gap between the beginners' and hobbyists' books and the many specialised and subject-specific texts for more advanced amateur astronomers. Written by an experienced astronomer and educator, the book is a one-stop reference providing extensive information and advice about observing and imaging equipment, with detailed examples showing how best to use them. In addition to providing in-depth knowledge about every type of astronomical telescope and highlighting their strengths and weaknesses, two chapters offer advice on making visual observations of the Sun, Moon, planets, stars and galaxies. All types of modern astronomical imaging are covered, with step-by-step details given on the use of DSLRs and web-cams for solar, lunar and planetary imaging and the use of DSLRs and cooled CCD cameras for deep sky imaging.

Ian Morison spent his professional career as a radio-astronomer at the Jodrell Bank Observatory. The International Astronomical Union has recognised his work by naming an asteroid in his honour. He is an honorary member of the Macclesfield Astronomical Society, which he also helped found, and a council member and past president of the Society for Popular Astronomy, United Kingdom. In 2007 he was appointed Professor of Astronomy at Gresham College, the oldest chair of astronomy in the world. He is author of numerous articles for the astronomical press and of a university astronomy textbook, and writes a monthly online sky guide and audio podcast for the Jodrell Bank Observatory.

'Ian Morison's new amateur astronomy guide is a rare gem. The book tackles the major aspects of our hobby with clear and insightful writing. His experience both as an astronomer and an observer shine through. Personally I found the photos and sections on astro-imaging extremely helpful and refreshing. Several times his advice prompted me to call up a DSLR image on my computer and start working on it in Photoshop following his clever suggestions. Bravo!' Stephen James O'Meara, Astronomy magazine columnist and author of the Deep-Sky Companions series 'An Amateur's Guide to Observing and Imaging the Heavens is a book I would greatly recommend. It covers many key points in detail, in what can be a bewildering subject to those starting out. Topics from telescope choice and calibration to image processing with Photoshop are all covered in detail. This book will serve anyone as a good overall guide on modern amateur astrophotography.' Damian Peach, astrophotographer (damianpeach.com) 'Morison brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to this book with a detailed level of practical knowledge on the use of observing equipment.' BBC Sky at Night Magazine 'This is the best guide to observing and imaging that I have seen for a long time ... I cannot recommend this book highly enough. I think that even very experienced amateurs will learn something new ...' Kieran McGrath, SCS Astro '... contains one of the most accessible and informed reviews of currently available telescope systems that I have seen in any recent book.' Nick James, The Observatory