Here are clear explanations of how to make superb astronomical deep-sky images using only a DSLR or webcam and an astronomical telescope – no expensive dedicated CCD cameras needed! The book is written for amateur astronomers interested in budget astrophotography – the deep sky, not just the Moon and planets – and for those who want to improve their imaging skills using DSLR and webcams. It is even possible to use existing (non-specialist astronomical) equipment for scientific applications such as high resolution planetary and lunar photography, astrometry, photometry, and spectroscopy. The introduction of the CCD revolutionized astrophotography. The availability of this technology to the amateur astronomy community has allowed advanced science and imaging techniques to become available to almost anyone willing to take the time to learn a few, simple techniques. Specialized cooled-chip CCD imagers are capable of superb results in the right hands – but they are all very expensive. If budget is important, the reader is advised on using a standard camera instead. Jensen provides techniques useful in acquiring beautiful high-quality images and high level scientific data in one accessible and easy-to-read book. It introduces techniques that will allow the reader to use more economical DSLR cameras – that are of course also used for day-to-day photography – to produce images and data of high quality, without a large cash investment.

Any amateur astronomer who is interested in astrophotography, particularly if just getting started, needs to know what objects are best for imaging in each month of the year. These are not necessarily the same objects that are the most spectacular or intriguing visually. The camera reveals different things and has different requirements. What objects in the sky tonight are large enough, bright enough, and high enough to be photographed? This book reveals, for each month of the year, the choicest celestial treasures within the reach of a commercial CCD camera. Helpful hints and advice on framing, exposures, and filters are included. Each deep sky object is explained in beautiful detail, so that observers will gain a richer understanding of these astronomical objects. This is not a book that dwells on the technology of CCD, Webcam, wet, or other types of astrophotography. Neither is it a book about in-depth computer processing of the images (although this topic is included). Detailed discussions of these topics can be found in other publications. This book focuses on what northern latitude objects to image at any given time of the year to get the most spectacular results.

From the author of Getting Started: Long Exposure Astrophotography and the Messier Astrophotography Reference comes a book showing you how to produce wonderful astrophotos without the astronomical costs normally associated with the hobby. From a DSLR, to a point and shoot, and even using your phone, you can capture beautiful images of the sun, moon, clusters, galaxies and nebulae without breaking the bank. A complete image processing walkthrough is included using only freely downloadable software. Discussed inside are telescopes, adapters, do-it-yourself projects, software and processing techniques to help you photograph the skies without spending a fortune. Already have a telescope or other equipment? No problem, it will help you make the most of what you already have as well as show you what you can buy or make yourself to improve your images.

This book is based around the author’s beautiful and sometimes awe-inspiring color images and mosaics of deep-sky objects. The book describes how similar "Hubble class" images can be created by amateur astronomers in their back garden using commercially available telescopes and CCD cameras. Subsequent processing and image enhancement in the "electronic darkroom" is covered in detail as well. A range of telescopes and equipment is considered, from the author’s 11-inch with Hyperstar camera, down to more affordable instruments. Appendices provide links to free software – not available from a single source – and are themselves an invaluable resource.

For all but the simplest star-trail pictures, photographing the night sky involves machinery to track the stars, and the task becomes even more complicated when photographing very small or very faint objects that require high magnification or very long exposure times. Astrophotography for Amateurs presents equipment and techniques, features practical hints and tips from the experts, including coverage of traditional "wet" photography, CCD imaging, and computerized image enhancement. There are sections on photographing different classes of astronomical object from the moon to faint nebulae, as well as a detailed look at the equipment needed.

Astrophotography can be one of the most rewarding pursuits of a lifetime, it can also be one of the most daunting. This book uses over 200 illustrations, images, charts and graphs in addition to the text to help you understand what equipment you will need and how to make it all work so you can create breathtaking images of the heavens.From purchasing your first astrophotography telescope, hooking up your camera, taking long exposure images, and finally processing that finished image, this book will be your indispensable guide.If you have ever wanted to take photographs of glowing nebulae, spiral galaxies and shimmering star clusters, this is the reference you want on your desk as well as with you out under the stars.I will take you on a journey exploring in-depth details of field rotation and focusing methods, as well as explaining not just the what and how, but the ever important why. Actually see why you stack multiple images and what effect it has. Don't just read about how the atmosphere affects imaging, see it through experimentation that you can do at home on your own!

The book that taught thousands of people about astrophotography has been completely revised and updated in this second edition. It covers everything you need to know to capture stunning images of deep-sky objects with a DSLR or CCD camera: The fundamental concepts of imaging and their impact on the final image How to pick a telescope and camera How to get set up and take the images Where and when to find the best objects in the night sky How to process images using Adobe Photoshop(R) and PixInsight(R) Start-to-finish examples of image processing Full-color with over 300 illustrations.