Scientific Astrophotography: How Amateurs Can Generate and Use Professional Imaging Data (The Patrick Moore Practical Astronomy Series)

Scientific Astrophotography is intended for those amateur astronomers who are looking for new challenges, once they have mastered visual observing and the basic imaging of various astronomical objects. It will also be a useful reference for scientifically inclined observers who want to learn the fundamentals of astrophotography with a firm emphasis on the discipline of scientific imaging. This books is not about making beautiful astronomical images; it is about recording astronomical images that are scientifically rigorous and from which accurate data can be extracted. This book is unique in that it gives readers the skills necessary for obtaining excellent images for scientific purposes in a concise and procedurally oriented manner. This not only gets the reader used to a disciplined approach to imaging to maximize quality, but also to maximize the success (and minimize the frustration!) inherent in the pursuit of astrophotography. The knowledge and skills imparted to the reader of this handbook also provide an excellent basis for “beautiful picture” astrophotography! There is a wealth of information in this book – a distillation of ideas and data presented by a diverse set of sources and based on the most recent techniques, equipment, and data available to the amateur astronomer. There are also numerous practical exercises. Scientific Astrophotography is perfect for any amateur astronomer who wants to go beyond just astrophotography and actually contribute to the science of astronomy.

Scientific Astrophotography is a work for those amateur astronomers looking for new challenges, once they have mastered visual observing and the basic imaging of various astronomical objects. It is a wonderful reference for scientifically-inclined observers who want to learn the fundamentals of astrophotography with a firm emphasis on the discipline of scientific imaging.

This book is a wealth of information and a distillation of ideas presented by a diverse set of sources and based on the most recent techniques, equipment, and data available. It also includes numerous exercises for the reader, to maximize the success and minimize the frustration inherent in the pursuit of this specific craft. Scientific Astrophotography is perfect for any amateur astronomer who wants to go beyond just the process of making beautiful images and actually contribute to the science of astronomy!

...Gerald Hubbell's new book, Scientific Astrophotography, is the perfect companion for anyone dipping their toe into the digital imaging realm for the first time. The author answers all the questions people have when starting out, such as how do I get the most bang for my buck, and how do I select the right CCD for my telescope?
- Mike Simonsen, American Association of Variable Star Observers

Foreword -- Acknowledgements -- About the Author -- Table of Contents -- List of Figures -- List of Tables -- Preface -- Chapter 1: Introduction to Scientific Astrophotography -- PART I: Astronomical Imaging System (AIS) -- Chapter 2: The Perfect AIS -- Chapter 3: The Astrograph - The Imaging Telescope -- Chapter 4: CCD Chip Performance, CCD Camera Basics, and Image Scaling Factors -- Chapter 5: Telescope Mount Factors -- Chapter 6: Imaging Filters and Auxiliary Optical/Mechanical/Electrical Components -- Chapter 7: Astrograph and CCD Combinations -- Chapter 8: Environmental and External Factors -- PART II: Astronomical Imaging System (AIS) Integration and Operation -- Chapter 9: The Practical AIS - The Sum is Greater than the Parts -- Chapter 10: Planning and Executing the AIS Data Acquisition Process -- Chapter 11: Image Acquisition and Calibration -- Chapter 12: Field Practical Exercises (FPE) - Putting It All Together -- PART III: Scientific Image Data Analysis and Advanced Amateur Scientific Projects -- Chapter 13: Scientific Image Data Uses and Innovations in AIS Components and Systems -- Chapter 14: An Introduction to Scientific Image Data Analysis -- Chapter 15: Your Scientific Imaging Program and How to Submit Your Data to Scientific Organizations -- Chapter 16: Amateur Astronomer Access to Professional-Level Observatories -- Appendices -- Index.

. by Gerald R. Hubbell. Scientific Astrophotography is a work for those amateur astronomers looking for new challenges, once they have mastered visual observing and the basic imaging of various astronomical objects. It is a wonderful reference for scientifically-inclined observers who want to learn the fundamentals of astrophotography with a firm emphasis on the discipline of scientific imaging. This book is a wealth of information and a distillation of ideas presented by a diverse set of sources and based on the most recent techniques, equipment, and data available. It also includes numerous exercises for the reader, to maximize the success and minimize the frustration inherent in the pursuit of this specific craft. Scientific Astrophotography is perfect for any amateur astronomer who wants to go beyond just the process of making beautiful images and actually contribute to the science of astronomy! "...Gerald Hubbell's new book, Scientific Astrophotography , is the perfect companion for anyone dipping their toe into the digital imaging realm for the first time. The author answers all the questions people have when starting out, such as how do I get the most bang for my buck, and how do I select the right CCD for my telescope?" - Mike Simonsen, American Association of Variable Star Observers Front Matter....Pages i-xxx Front Matter....Pages 7-7 An Introduction to Scientific Astrophotography....Pages 1-6 Front Matter....Pages 7-7 The “Perfect AIS”....Pages 9-19 The Astrograph: The Imaging Telescope....Pages 21-30 CCD Chip Performance, CCD Camera Basics, and Image Scaling Factors....Pages 31-53 Telescope Mount Factors....Pages 55-76 Imaging Filters and Auxiliary Optical/Mechanical/Electrical Components....Pages 77-102 Astrograph and CCD Camera Combinations....Pages 103-118 Environmental and External Factors....Pages 119-132 Front Matter....Pages 133-133 The Practical AIS: The Sum Is Greater Than the Parts....Pages 135-149 Planning and Executing the AIS Data Acquisition Process....Pages 151-168 Image Acquisition and Calibration....Pages 169-194 Field Practical Exercises: Putting It All into Practice....Pages 195-230 Front Matter....Pages 231-231 Scientific Image Data Uses and Innovations in AIS Components and Systems....Pages 233-244 An Introduction to Scientific Image Data Analysis....Pages 245-284 Your Scientific Imaging Program and How to Submit Your Data to Scientific Organizations....Pages 285-295 Amateur Astronomer Access to Professional-Level Observatories....Pages 297-302 Back Matter....Pages 303-333