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.

The Deep-sky Imaging Primer covers almost everything you need to know to create beautiful deep-sky images with a DSLR or an astronomical CCD camera. This textbook is printed in full-color, with over 90,000 words and nearly 200 images and illustrations. The book does not shy away from the technical details where they are important, but the focus is on practical advice for the amateur. Both narrowband and standard color imaging techniques are covered. Exercise questions are provided to reinforce the material being covered, and the final chapters contain two start-to-finish image processing examples.The book is structured in three sections:The first section, Understanding Images, covers with the fundamentals of signal and noise and how electronic imaging sensors work, laying the foundation for understanding the "whys" behind many equipment and processing choices. The second section, Acquiring Images, reviews all of the equipment involved in imaging--cameras, mounts, and optics--and how to use them. Focusing and autoguiding are covered in detail, as are the critical concepts of image scale and sampling. The third section is about Processing Images. Calibration and post-processing are explained with numerous examples. The chapters break the image processing workflow into phases, with the tools and techniques for each thoroughly covered. If you've ever looked at beautiful deep-sky images and thought, "I wish I could do that," then this book is for you!

Allan Hall makes learning how to photograph the night sky easy with his new book Getting Started: Budget Astrophotography. In this guide, you will learn the fundamentals of astrophotography – what it is, how it's done, and how to do it yourself. Getting Started: Budget Astrophotography is divided into these three sections in order to provide a comprehensive overview of the basics of astrophotography.Understanding - The first section of Hall's guide focuses on understanding astrophotography. Amateur and professional stargazers know that one of the most important things to consider when viewing the heavens is light pollution. Light pollution is exactly what it sounds like – too much light in our environments makes it more difficult to get a good look at planets, stars, and other celestial bodies. If you want to get the best view and photo possible, you must find a location that has little light. This makes a huge difference. In addition to finding a good location for viewing and shooting, you will learn about camera basics, including how to mount a camera and focus a lens. Beyond that, you will read about various types of telescopes and what they do.Doing - The title of the second segment of this reference guide speaks for itself. Once you've learned the fundamentals of location, cameras, and telescopes, it's time to put your knowledge to use. This section discusses how to find targets, as in how to find objects of interest to shoot. From capturing images to camera and exposure settings, you will learn how to make the most of your instruments and location by taking a great shot. This section also discusses making videos, image stacking, and image editing, an important aspect of astrophotography. Many of the celestial shots we see are time-lapse or edited in some way (to improve clarity and reduce visual “noise”). While it may sound difficult, this reference guide simplifies the processes by providing step-by-step instructions.Building - For the handy home astrophotographer, this section includes information about do-it-yourself projects. From modifying your equipment (for example, improving your focus capabilities, modifying a webcam for astrophotography, and even adapting your laptop screen to function in the dark) to building add-ons, you'll learn how to enhance your experience in your own home. Hall provides information about creating glass solar filters for your cameras and even making your own dew heaters.In this book you will learn: The problems associated with astrophotography, and how to overcome them How to attach virtually any type of camera to a telescope How to use virtually any type of telescope How to use a camera without a telescope How to focus your camera with and without a telescope Type of images you will capture How to process the images you capture And much more!Getting Started: Budget Astrophotography is a great reference guide for beginners and amateur astrophotographers. If you have an interest in astronomy and want to capture what you've viewed through a telescope, doing so is possible from your own home. Hall's comprehensive guide also provides ideas about where to start (as in, what targets are best to photograph), where to find more information about astrophotography, and even a glossary of terms. Indulge your hobby and learn how to improve with Getting Started: Budget Astrophotography.

Today's photographic equipment allows amateurs to take pictures of the stars that far surpass images taken just a few decades ago by even the largest observatories-and this book will teach you how.Author and world-renowned astrophotographer Thierry Legault teaches the art and techniques of astrophotography: from simple camera-on-tripod night-scene imaging of constellations, star trails, eclipses, artificial satellites, and polar auroras to more intensive astrophotography using specialized equipment for lunar, planetary, solar, and deep-sky imaging. Legault shares advice on equipment and guides you through techniques to capture and process your images to achieve spectacular results.Astrophotography provides the most thorough treatment of the topic available. This large-format, richly illustrated book is intended for all sky enthusiasts-newcomers and veterans alike.Learn how to: Select the most useful equipment: cameras, adapters, filters, focal reducers/extenders, field correctors, and guide telescopes Set up your camera (digital, video, or CCD) and your lens or telescope for optimal results Plan your observing sessions Mount the camera on your telescope and focus it for razor-sharp images Polar-align your equatorial mount and improve tracking for pin-point star images Make celestial time-lapse videos Calculate the shooting parameters: focal length and ratio, field of view, exposure time, etc. Combine multiples exposures to reveal faint galaxies, nebulae details, elusive planetary structures, and tiny lunar craters Adjust contrast, brightness, light curves, and colors Postprocess your images to fix defects such as vignetting, dust shadows, hot pixels, uneven background, and noise Identify problems with your images and improve your results

There are currently thousands of amateur astronomers around the world engaged in astrophotography at a sophisticated level. Their ranks far outnumber professional astronomers doing the same and their contributions both technically and artistically are the dominant drivers of progress in the field today. This book is a unique collaboration of individuals world-renowned in their particular area and covers in detail each of the major sub-disciplines of astrophotography. This approach offers the reader the greatest opportunity to learn the most current information and the latest techniques directly from the foremost innovators in the field today.“Lessons from the Masters” includes a brilliant body of recognized leaders in astronomical imaging, assembled by Robert Gendler, who delivers the most current, sophisticated and useful information on digital enhancement techniques in astrophotography available today. Each chapter focuses on a particular technique, but the book as a whole covers all types of astronomical image processing, including processing of events such as eclipses, using DSLRs, and deep-sky, planetary, widefield, and high resolution astronomical image processing. Recognized contributors include deep-sky experts such as Jay GaBany, Tony Hallas, and Ken Crawford, high-resolution planetary expert Damian Peach, and the founder of TWAN (The World at Night) Babak A. Tafreshi.A large number of illustrations (150, 75 in color) present the challenges and accomplishments involved in the processing of astronomical images by enthusiasts.

Photography: Night Sky will give you the tips and techniques you need to take stunning photographs in the dark. You’ll learn how to overcome the unique issues that confront nighttime photographers and capture images of which you’ll be proud.Co-author Jennifer Wu, an elite Canon “Explorer of Light” professional photographer, has become renowned for her ability to capture nighttime phenomena, from quarter-phase moon rises to shooting stars to the ephemeral Milky Way. this new guide reveals her methods and concentrates on photographing four principal subjects: stars as points of light, star trails, the moon, and twilight. these subjects share common photo techniques and considerations, but each also requires a distinct approach. Once captured, your digital images must be fi nished on the computer; coauthor and author of the bestselling Photography: Outdoors, James Martin, delves into the settings and procedures that elevate an image from mundane to striking.This clear and practical guide will help photographers of all levels portray the stunning spectacle of the night sky, preserving those special memories and moments from a life outdoors.

This astrophotography book is a primer and a fully-formed, practical guide for entering the world of long exposure astrophotography. Allan Hall's Getting Started: Long Exposure astrophotography brings the rewarding pursuit of stellar imaging to your bedside table. With academic flare and his signature approachability, Hall utilizes a suite of formats to provide readers with everything they need to begin - and develop, all while avoiding as much of the technical jargon and math as possible. From charts, images, purchasing guides, walkthroughs, and detailed descriptions, this Getting Started title is an in-depth resource for today's astrophotographer at any level of their discipline.Leading up to an incredibly useful list of the first twenty-five objects an astrophotographer might image with long exposures, this Getting Started title also offers a range of equipment advice and grounded descriptions of why certain phenomena occur - as well as what they will mean for you and your shoots.Though founded in the clarity and precision of science and photography, astrophotography can nonetheless be one of the most artistic and even sensual crafts, as well as one of the most daunting. A road map is essential when pursuing a rich experience of imaging and cataloging the night sky. Getting Started: Long Exposure Astrophotography, with over 200 illustrations, images, charts, and graphs bolstering its clear and instructive text, takes readers from practical equipment purchases, savvy preparations, and understanding of heavenly bodies, with the proper - and smart - ways to capture their breathtaking beauty.From purchasing your first astrophotography telescope, hooking up your camera, taking long-exposure images, and finally, processing that finished image, this book is rich with provisions and tips. Hall expertly balances his own procedures with general and inclusive guides from set-up to software recommendations.In this book you will learn: The difference between long and short exposure astrophotography What equipment you may need How different equipment compares How to set up your equipment Making your equipment work together What software you might need Different types of exposures (pictures) What might affect your exposures Taking exposures Processing exposures Putting it all together And much more!So, 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 sky.A journey begins, with Hall 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. So you won't just follow instructions for multiple image stacking, you'll understand the effect and craft of it.For today's astrophotographers, access is key. Encouragingly, there is more than ever in many ways. From the quality of the equipment that you can purchase to the ready availability of software and meteorological information, it's a photographer's dream in many ways. Let this unprecedented scenario work for you, whether you're looking to take your first photos or enhance your development as a long-exposure cosmic curator.From start to finish, Allan Hall's Getting Started: Long Exposure Astrophotography book is your comprehensive resource, taking you from entrance, to expertise in the rewarding field of astrophotography - with a focus on the long exposure element that makes for such memorable, lifelong pieces of photography.More like a friend sitting beside you, guiding you, than a textbook, see why thousands of astrophotographers have used this book to get started in their journey into long-exposure astrophotography.

1,001 Celestial Wonders is a guide to the night sky's brightest and most fascinating objects. Each target is accessible to amateur astronomers using medium-sized telescopes from a dark site. In fact, many are so bright they remain visible under moderate light pollution, as from the outskirts of a city or the suburbs of a town. The book provides a chronological target list, making it easy to use. No matter what night you choose, this book will show you many of the most memorable objects to observe, whether you are using a small telescope or even binoculars, or an instrument of larger aperture. This is far more than just a list of interesting objects. It is structured so that objects of various observing difficulty are included, which will help readers become better observers, both encouraging beginners and challenging long-time amateur astronomers. This book is designed to be easy-to-use at the telescope, and observers will appreciate each object's standardized layout and the book's chronological organization. Finally, many amateur astronomers function best when presented with a list! Even the Meade Autostar® controller features a 'best tonight' list (although the list is far less comprehensive and detailed than the catalog provided in this book), a feature that has proved extremely popular. 1,001 Celestial Wonders offers a life-list of objects any observer would be proud to complete.

The modern classic, completely updated.The newest edition of The Backyard Astronomer's Guide includes the latest data and answers the questions most often asked by home astronomers, from beginners to experienced stargazers. Terence Dickinson and Alan Dyer provide expert guidance on the right types of telescopes and other equipment; photographing the stars through a telescope; and star charts, software and other references. They cover daytime and twilight observing, planetary and deep-sky observing, and much more.With over 500 color photographs and illustrations, The Backyard Astronomer's Guide is one of the most valuable, beautiful and user-friendly astronomy books ever produced.New and updated for this edition: A 20-page full-color Atlas of the Milky Way provides location and context for hundreds of celestial objects mentioned throughout the book. A chapter on Astrophotography with Digital Cameras specifies what equipment works best and how to use it to collect a color gallery of celestial portraits. Telescopes for Recreational Astronomy features assessments of a wide range of new telescopes, from models for beginners to those for veteran astronomy enthusiasts, with special emphasis on computerized telescopes and how they work. Accessory Catalog spotlights the best of the accessories and flags the frivolous and irrelevant. Three practical appendices: Polar Aligning Your Telescope; Optics Cleaning and Collimation; Testing Your Telescope Optics.Any serious home astronomer must have this superb guide as an ongoing reference.

Are you determined to visit every deep sky object in the Messier catalog? Whether you are a visual astronomer or an amateur astrophotographer, this book will help you complete the entire Messier catalog! Learn about all 110 Messier objects, when and where in the sky to find them, and get some advice on how to capture them. Complete some challenges along the way and write down what came to your mind when observing or photographing these objects for the first time. Each target listed in this guide contains a "Sketch box" in which you can write and sketch what you see through the eyepiece, or attach your own printed photograph of the object to complete your OWN Messier catalog!

Discover 60 Deep Sky Objects that will considerably improve your Imaging and Processing skills!Whether you are a beginner, intermediate, or advanced astrophotographer, this detailed book of the best deep sky objects will serve as a personal guide for years to come!Discover which star clusters, nebulae, and galaxies are the easiest and most impressive to photograph for each season. Learn how to find each object in the night sky, and read our recommendations on imaging them in a quick and comprehensive way. Each target listed in this guide contains our advice on imaging, photos of expected results, and a useful information table. We've also included a few cool facts about each target, a map to find it in the night sky, and more!

This is the first edition of what has become bible of astrophotography with CCD cameras. It covers every aspect of the process, from selecting equipment to processing images - and everything in between. Supplementary materials are available at http://www.newastro.com. Use your email address for username and password to initially log in to the site.Note that the electronic (PDF) version is still available for download with this discounted purchase. Please email orders@newastro.com with proof of purchase for download instructions.This book is for astro imagers who want to get their hands on the first edition of the book. This is a new printing, not a new edition.

The Stargazer’s Journal is a portable notebook made for the purpose of recording observations, sketching your findings, and writing down wonderful memories created by this hobby.This book contains more than 200 pages dedicated to logging your stargazing sessions, as well as a useful chart on the last pages to index each object.Even after you have filled this journal, you can look back on your logs to recall memories of the night, drawings, the ratings you gave each object, and more!Just as the pioneers of astronomy did in their time, look up and take notes of your observations as you are the author of this star-filled journey.

Unlock the mysteries of the night sky with this comprehensive guide to astronomy.The Practical Astronomer explains and demystifies stargazing and teaches you how to observe and navigate the night sky. Learn how to set up your binoculars and telescopes and find out how to spot different celestial bodies, such as stars, planets, nebulae, and galaxies.Train your telescope into the sky and learn astrophotography with your smartphone camera or digital camera. Hop from one star to another to locate the different constellations or other deep space objects. The book contains sky maps charting all the 88 constellations in both the northern and southern hemisphere, helping you map the star patterns, from Ursa Major and Orion to Pavo and Aquarius.The Practical Astronomer also contains monthly star charts that follow the changing positions of stars in the night sky through the year. Discover the solar system and know about other objects, such as satellites and space stations, that light up the sky. A reference section at the back of the book provides handy information about every planet and includes information about eclipses.Become an accomplished amateur astronomer with this practical guide.

You Are Here : Around the World in 92 MinutesChris Hadfield's book shows us our home - our city, country, continent, our whole planet - from a unique perspective. The millions of us who followed Chris's Twitter feed from the ISS thought we knew what we were looking at when we saw his photos. This photo documentary shows us we didn't. We caught the beauty but missed the meaning. Curated from images never before shared, Chris's big picture reveals why our planet looks the way it does and why we live where we do.

The Astrophotography Manual is for those photographers who aspire to move beyond using standard SLR cameras and editing software, and who are ready to create beautiful images of nebulas, galaxies, clusters, and the solar system. Beginning with a brief astronomy primer, this book takes readers through the full astrophotography process, from choosing and using equipment through image capture, calibration, and processing. This combination of technical background information and the hands-on approach brings the science down to earth with a practical method to plan for success. Features include:Over 400 images, graphs, and tables to illustrate these conceptsA wide range of hardware to be used, including smartphones, tablets, and the latest mount technologiesHow to utilize a variety of leading software such as Maxim DL, Nebulosity, Sequence Generator Pro, Photoshop, and PixInsightCase studies showing how and when to use certain tools and overcoming technical challengesHow sensor performance and light pollution relate to image quality and exposure planning

Digital SLR cameras have made it easier than ever before to photograph the night sky. Whether you're a beginner, nature photographer, or serious astronomer, this is the definitive handbook to capturing the heavens. Starting with simple projects for beginners such as cameras on tripods, it then moves onto more advanced projects including telescope photography and methods of astronomical research. With 80% revised and updated material, this new edition covers nightscapes, eclipses, using cameras with sky trackers and telescopes, and tools for identifying celestial objects and investigating them scientifically. Image processing is discussed in detail, with worked examples from three popular software packages - Nebulosity, Maxlm DL, and PixInsight. Rather than taking a recipe-book approach, Covington explains how your equipment works as well as offering advice on many practical considerations, such as choice of set-up and the testing of lenses, making this a comprehensive guide for anyone involved in astrophotography.

Learning the constellations is difficult. Remembering them is even harder. Have you ever wanted to look up to the night sky, name any pattern of stars and be able to tell their stories?This book groups the constellations in a logical order, so that the reader can easily learn them by their origin, and see how their stories interact with one another as a group.The last pages of this book include an index of all 88 constellations, each with a slot where you can write your own personal tips and tricks in order to memorize them with ease.The Constellations Handbook is not just another guide listing all the constellations from A to Z and their location, it is the perfect companion for stargazing, and a learning journey through the ages.

Now available at a heavily discounted price (originally $99.95), with all proceeds going to the Tzec Maun Foundation to help provide free access to internet telescopes for students.The NewAstro Zone System gives astro imagers the tools they need to master Photoshop for imagine processing. These techniques apply to astro CCD cameras, digital cameras, and even film scans.The Zone System shows you how to handle color, use Curves and Levels, and the book is filled with tutorials and Photoshop tips.Practice files were originally included on a free DVD, but there are no more DVDs so purchasers can download the book-related DVD content (about 2GB worth) at the Foundation's web site: zone.tzecmaun.org.

With the advent of inexpensive, high-power telescopes priced at under $250, amateur astronomy is now within the reach of anyone, and this is the ideal book to get you started. The Illustrated Guide to Astronomical Wonders offers you a guide to the equipment you need, and shows you how and where to find hundreds of spectacular objects in the deep sky -- double and multiple stars as well as spectacular star clusters, nebulae, and galaxies.You get a solid grounding in the fundamental concepts and terminology of astronomy, and specific advice about choosing, buying, using, and maintaining the equipment required for observing. The Illustrated Guide to Astronomical Wonders is designed to be used in the field under the special red-colored lighting used by astronomers, and includes recommended observing targets for beginners and intermediate observers alike. You get detailed start charts and specific information about the best celestial objects.The objects in this book were chosen to help you meet the requirements for several lists of objects compiled by The Astronomical League. Binocular Messier Club Urban Observing Club Deep Sky Binocular Club Double Star Club RASC Finest NGC List Completing the list for a particular observing club entitles anyone who is a member of the Astronomical League or RASC to an award, which includes a certificate and, in some cases, a lapel pin.This book is perfect for amateur astronomers, students, teachers, or anyone who is ready to dive into this rewarding hobby. Who knows? You might even find a new object, like amateur astronomer Jay McNeil. On a clear cold night in January 2004, he spotted a previously undiscovered celestial object near Orion, now called McNeil's Nebula. Discover what awaits you in the night sky with the Illustrated Guide to Astronomical Wonders.

Finally, a compact, reasonably-priced atlas designed with imaging in mind!Seventy full-color charts cover the entire sky, with stars down to 9th magnitude and over 2000 deep-sky objects plotted in their correct size and shape, including many nebulae not found in visually-oriented atlases.416 emission nebulae and supernova remnants, including the complete Sharpless (Sh2) and RCW catalogs. 171 reflection nebulae, including the complete van den Bergh (vdB) catalog. 146 planetary nebulae, including the complete Abell catalog 52 dark nebulae and molecular clouds 792 galaxies (larger than 3 arcminutes) 38 galaxy groups from the Abell and Hickson catalogs 108 globular clusters (larger than 5 arcminutes) 309 open clusters (larger than 5 arcminutes)The tabular index contains important details on each object, including a description, the best time of year to capture it, and the required field of view.With information on nearly every possible photographic target in the night sky, The Astrophotography Sky Atlas will help you choose your targets and plan your imaging.

From 1946 to 1994, Sky & Telescope magazine featured a column called Deep-Sky Wonders, in which amateur astronomer Water Scott 'Scotty' Houston captured the wonder and delight of exploring the farthest reaches of the deep sky. Sky & Telescope contributing editior Stephen James O'Meara presents a month-by-month selection of Scotty's columns along with insightful observations and warm recollections of his time with Scotty. More than a field guide, Deep Sky Wonders is the work of a man who was a major influence on the development of amateur astronomy for nearly half a century. 6 by 9 inches

The Astrophotography Manual, Second Edition is for photographers ready to move beyond standard SLR cameras and editing software to create beautiful images of nebulas, galaxies, clusters, and the stars. Beginning with a brief astronomy primer, this book takes readers through the full astrophotography process, from choosing and using equipment to image capture, calibration, and processing. This combination of technical background and hands-on approach brings the science down to earth, with practical methods to ensure success.This second edition now includes:Over 170 pages of new content within 22 new chapters, with 600 full-color illustrations.Covers a wide range of hardware, including mobile devices, remote control and new technologies.Further insights into leading software, including automation, Sequence Generator Pro and PixInsightGround-breaking practical chapters on hardware and software as well as alternative astrophotography pursuits

Invaluable for both beginners and advanced observers, Philip's Planisphere (Latitude 51.5 North) is a practical hour-by-hour tracker of the stars and constellations, designed for use anywhere in Britain and Ireland, Northern Europe, Northern USA and Canada. Turn the oval panel to the required date and time to reveal the whole sky visible from your location. The map, by the well-known celestial cartographer Wil Tirion, shows stars down to magnitude 5, plus several deep-sky objects, such as the Pleiades, the Andromeda Galaxy (M31) and the Orion Nebula (M42). Because the planets move round the Sun, their positions in the sky are constantly changing and they cannot be marked permanently on the map; however, the back of the planisphere has tables giving the positions of Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn for every month until 2020. The planisphere is supplied in a full-colour wallet that contains illustrated step-by-step instructions for how to use the planisphere, how to locate planets, and how to work out the time of sunrise or sunset for any day of the year. It explains all the details that can be seen on the map - the magnitudes of stars, the ecliptic and the celestial coordinates. In addition, the section 'Exploring the skies, season by season' introduces the novice astronomer to the principal celestial objects visible at different times of the year. Major constellations are used as signposts to navigate the night sky, locating hard-to-find stars and some fascinating deep-sky objects. The movement of the stars is also explained.

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 PixInsight® and Adobe Photoshop® Start-to-finish examples of image processingFull-color with over 325 illustrations.

Stephen O'Meara's new and exciting observing guide spotlights an original selection of 109 deep-sky objects that will appeal to sky-watchers worldwide. His 'hidden treasures' include a wonderful assortment of galaxies, open clusters, planetary nebulae and more, all of which have been carefully chosen based on their popularity and ease of observing. None of these objects are included in either the Messier or the Caldwell catalogs, and all are visible in a 4-inch telescope under dark skies. Stunning photographs and beautiful drawings accompany detailed visual descriptions of the objects, which include their rich histories and astrophysical significance. The author's original finder charts are designed to help observers get to their targets fast and efficiently.

In this fresh list, Stephen James O'Meara presents 109 new objects for stargazers to observe. The Secret Deep list contains many exceptional objects, including a planetary nebula whose last thermal pulse produced a circumstellar shell similar to the one expected in the final days of our Sun's life; a piece of the only supernova remnant known visible to the unaided eye; the flattest galaxy known; the largest edge-on galaxy in the heavens; the brightest quasar; and the companion star to one of the first black hole candidates ever discovered. Each object is accompanied by beautiful photographs and sketches, original finder charts, visual histories and up-to-date astrophysical information to enrich the observing experience. Featuring galaxies, clusters and nebulae not covered in other Deep-Sky Companions books, this is a wonderful addition to the series and an essential guide for any deep-sky observer.

For more than two centuries, amateur astronomers have earned their stripes by observing the 109 star clusters, nebulae, and galaxies cataloged by French comet hunter Charles Messier. Sir Patrick Moore has compiled a new list of 109 deep-sky delights, the Caldwell Catalog, which covers the entire celestial sphere. Stephen James O'Meara has observed all 109 Caldwell objects and Deep Sky Companions presents his beautiful sketches and detailed visual descriptions and discusses each object's rich history and astrophysical significance. The latest fundamental data on each object are tabulated, and the book's star charts will lead observers to each object's precise location. Stephen James O'Meara is known worldwide for his precise drawings of astronomical objects as seen through the telescope. Among his many astronomical achievements, he was the first to sight Halley's Comet on its 1985 return; he noticed the dark spokes in Saturn's B ring before the Voyager 1 spacecraft imaged them; and he was the first person to determine the rotation period of the distant planet Uranus. The International Astronomical Union named asteroid 3637 O'Meara in his honor. He is also the author of Deep Sky Companions: The Messier Objects (Cambridge, 1998) and co-author with his wife, Donna Donovan O'Meara, of Volcanoes: Passion and Fury (Sky Publishing, 1994).

PixInsight has taken the astro-imaging world by storm. As the first comprehensive postprocessing platform to be created by astro-imagers for astro-imagers, it has for many replaced other generic graphics editors as the software of choice. PixInsight has been embraced by professionals such as the James Webb (and Hubble) Space Telescope's science imager Joseph DePasquale and Calar Alto's Vicent Peris, as well as thousands of amateurs around the world. While PixInsight is extremely powerful, very little has been printed on the subject. The first edition of this book broke that mold, offering a comprehensive look into the software’s capabilities. This second edition expands on the several new processes added to the PixInsight platform since that time, detailing and demonstrating each one with a now-expanded workflow. Addressing topics such as PhotometricColorCalibration, Large-Scale Pixel Rejection, LocalNormalization and a host of other functions, this text remains the authoritative guide to PixInsight.

This compilation of data on deep-sky objects covers Messier objects, New General Catalogue objects and Index Catalogue objects. These are classified as galaxies, clusters and nebulae of which 500 individual objects are listed. Observing the deep-sky beyond the limits of the Solar System is by far the most popular speciality for amateur astronomers. Two major catalogs of deep-sky objects are widely used: Messier's catalogue of 109 objects and the New General Catalog (NGC) which contains thousands of objects. This catalog has entries for each of more than 500 deep-sky objects - all the Messier objects plus selected NGC objects. As well as the usual astronomical data they also detail physical factors, astrophysical information, evolution, ans unusual features. The objects are all listed in NGC order, which were originally assigned in approximate order of location from west to east, convenient for reference because objects that can be seen on a given night will occur within a few pages of each other in the book.

• Simply THE most comprehensive guide to the Messier Objects ever published• Combines detailed historical, astrophysical, statistical and observing information for each object with stunning astrophotos and telescope sketches• Reproduces the text of Messier’s famous catalog, along with biographies of Messier and his contemporaries• Compares modern views with historical sketches from Lord Rosse, John Herschel and other illustrious figuresThe 110 star clusters, nebulae and galaxies of Messier’s famous catalog are among the most popular of all the deep sky objects and are beautiful targets for amateur observers of all abilities. This stunning new atlas presents a complete and lively account of all of the Messier objects. Details for each object include a thoroughly researched history of its discovery, historical observations and anecdotes, the latest scientific data detailing its astrophysical findings, and descriptions for observers to view the objects, be it with the naked eye or a large telescope. This atlas has some of the world’s finest color astrophotos, labeled photos pointing to hidden details and neighboring objects, as well as historical sketches by well-known figures alongside new deep sky drawings. Quite simply, this is THE most far-reaching and beautiful reference on the Messier objects there has ever been, and one that no observer should be without!

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This is the ultimate guided tour of our universe. From the fiery mass of the Sun's core to the black hole at the centre of the Milky Way, take off into the farthest limits of space and discover our universe. Explore the latest discoveries in astronomy, spectacular star charts and stunning images from space probes and telescopes. It offers a dazzling visual exploration of all the astonishing features and phenomena of space. It is an out-of-this-world reference for all the family.

From the craters of the Moon to the far reaches of Orion, The Stargazer's Handbook will enable you to explore space without leaving the comforts of Earth. All you need are a pair of binoculars and a clear night sky to experience the wonders of the universe.This book will take you on a journey through space, beginning with our own moon and neighboring planets before exploring the fascinating sights of deep space-from hypergiant suns and stellar nurseries to blazing nebulae and swirling galaxies. Each star, planet, or constellation is fully illustrated and accompanied by an annotated star map, as well as close-up images that zoom in on areas of interest.Featuring up-to-date information on the latest scientific discoveries, monthly sky maps for both northern and southern hemispheres, history and mythology of all 88 constellations and the rationale behind the names of stars and constellations, The Stargazer's Handbook will fully equip you with the tools to navigate-and understand-the night sky.

The Hubble Space Telescope (HST) has been taking stunning images of space for 20 years. It is one of the largest and most versatile space telescopes and its orbit outside the distortion of Earth's atmosphere allows it to take extremely sharp images with almost no background light. As an observatory in space, Hubble is one of the most successful scientific projects of all time, both in terms of scientific output and its immediate public appeal. It has consistently delivered super-sharp images and clean, uncontaminated spectra over the entire near-infrared and ultraviolet regions of the electromagnetic spectrum. Hubble's observations have opened up new scientific territory and have led to major breakthroughs in astrophysics, such as accurately determining the rate of expansion of the Universe. Hubble - Window on the Universe is a celebration of Hubble's astonishing scientific and technical achievements told via 200 glorious full-colour images. This stunning oversized volume showcases all