Handbook of CCD Astronomy (Cambridge Observing Handbooks for Research Astronomers) [Hardcover]

Steve B. Howell (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0521852153 | ISBN-13: 978-0521852159 | Publication Date: April 3, 2006 | Edition: 2

Charge-Coupled Devices (CCDs) are the state-of-the-art detector in many fields of observational science. Updated to include all of the latest developments in CCDs, this second edition of the Handbook of CCD Astronomy is a concise and accessible reference on all practical aspects of using CCDs. Starting with their electronic workings, it discusses their basic characteristics and then gives methods and examples of how to determine these values. While the book focuses on the use of CCDs in professional observational astronomy, advanced amateur astronomers, and researchers in physics, chemistry, medical imaging, and remote sensing will also find it very valuable. Tables of useful and hard-to-find data, key practical equations, and new exercises round off the book and ensure that it provides an ideal introduction to the practical use of CCDs for graduate students, and a handy reference for more experienced users.

Editorial Reviews

Review

'[Howell's] broad experience in CCD astronomy is evident throughout the book. Overall the book is well written and nicely printed ... I highly recommend it for anyone interested in CCD astronomy.' Ken Herkenhoff, EOS

'It is an excellent book and can be recommended to all who value a clearly written explanation of CCD technology, and one that can also be regarded as relevant to applications other than astronomy.' Imaging Science Journal

'... much of the text will be invaluable to amateurs ... This is a slim paperback volume ... but has a high quantum efficiency of content and should be on the bookshelf of every amateur who claims to take the application of CCDs seriously.' Webb Society Quarterly Journal

'The 2nd edition...provides a compact and very readable account of all the practical aspects of CCD cameras. ...aimed both at the 'fresh' professional astronomer and at the seasoned amateur who would like to venture more deeply into this technology. ...The tables and diagrams are plentiful, clear and useful. ...hard facts are clearly explained and well presented for the serious astronomer.' Astronomy and Space

Book Description

This updated second edition is a concise and accessible reference on all practical aspects of using Charge-Coupled Devices (CCDs). Focusing on the use of CCDs in professional observational astronomy, it provides a valuable reference to advanced amateur astronomers and experienced researchers, and an ideal introduction to CCDs for graduate students.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 222 pages
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press; 2 edition (April 3, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0521852153
• ISBN-13: 978-0521852159
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.1 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.9 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,957,115 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars a very valuable book, entertaining too, July 23, 2004

By 

ohmysohopeless (Nowhere to Go) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Handbook of CCD Astronomy (Cambridge Observing Handbooks for Research Astronomers) (Paperback)

For a graduate student who has not had an observational astronomy course, the process of self-teaching the essentials of CCD astronomy is not a smooth one. You really don't know what kind of things you have to worry about before going to a telescope!

Though this book does not cover comprehensively the topic of detection techniques in scientific contexts (too much for such a small book), it has an excellent, totally readable introduction to the basics of CCD detection in astronomy. The author obviously has been in the field for a long time, so his numerous anecdotes from his rich, past expericnes are entertaining as well as enlightening. It is such a short book but very satisfying, which is rare for a technical science book.

This book would make a perfect textbook or supplement reading for any decent undergraduate observational astronomy course. Highly recommended as the first reading for observers.

4 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An essential reference, July 6, 2002

By 

Al Lizdog (Laramie, Wyoming USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Handbook of CCD Astronomy (Cambridge Observing Handbooks for Research Astronomers) (Paperback)

Steve is the master of the art of CCD photometry. This is an essential book for professional astronomers and amateurs alike.

0 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars every thing about learning CCDs, July 8, 2008

By 

S. S. H. "astrosona" (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Handbook of CCD Astronomy (Cambridge Observing Handbooks for Research Astronomers) (Hardcover)

I loved it,... i though me EVERY thing about CCDs,...how do they work...and how to understand the results....