This book details an approach to the problem of getting high-quality astronomical images under light-polluted conditions. The book is for amateur astronomers interested in CCD imaging, especially those who have to work under suburban conditions. It outlines the materials and equipment used for high-quality imaging. The many wonderful images produced allow the reader to see the product of – initially – a fellow beginner’s efforts. Respectable images are attainable with modest equipment. This book outlines a complete and thoroughly tested working program for every beginner to achieve high-quality digital imaging.
CCD Astrophotography
and over one million other books are available for Amazon Kindle.
Learn more
FREE Two-Day Shipping for students on millions of items. Learn more |
| |||||||||||||||
 Sell Back Your Copy for $1.50
Whether you bought it on Amazon or somewhere else, you can sell it back through our Book Trade-In Program at the current price of $1.50.
Used Price$17.50
Trade-in Price$1.50
Price after
Trade-in$16.00 |
Book Description
Special Offers and Product Promotions
- Buy $50 in qualifying physical textbooks, get $2 in Amazon MP3 Credit. Here's how (restrictions apply)
Frequently Bought Together
Editorial Reviews
Review
From the reviews: "In this book, US amateur Adam Stuart struts his stuff by turning his personal experiences … into a full-length book. What I especially liked is that the author goes to great lengths to show what a variety of instruments can do … . Stuart does a really nice job presenting astrophotography … I for one found many of his tips and suggestions to be invaluable. The best feature of this book is … high-quality colour images … . the author must truly be congratulated!" (Neil English, Astronomy Now, March, 2007) "Adam Stuart’s book is a practical, enthusiastic, hands-on tale of the numerous challenges he faced and overcame during the construction of a home observatory under the light-polluted skies of southern Florida." (David Malin, Australian Physics, Vol. 43 (5), 2006)
From the Back Cover
This is a reference book for amateur astronomers who have become interested in CCD imaging. Those glorious astronomical images found in astronomy magazines might seem out of reach to newcomers to CCD imaging, but this is not the case. Great pictures are attainable with modest equipment. Adam Stuart’s many beautiful images, reproduced in this book, attest to the quality of – initially – a beginner’s efforts. Chilled-chip astronomical CCD-cameras and software are also wonderful tools for cutting through seemingly impenetrable light-pollution. CCD Astrophotography from the Suburbs describes one man’s successful approach to the problem of getting high-quality astronomical images under some of the most light-polluted conditions. Here is a complete and thoroughly tested program that will help every CCD-beginner to work towards digital imaging of the highest quality. It is equally useful to astronomers who have perfect observing conditions, as to those who have to observe from light-polluted city skies.
Product Details
Would you like to update product info or give feedback on images?
|
More About the Author
Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
12 of 12 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
This book is basically broken down into two parts. The first 80 pages are all about the author's equipment and setup. The second 80 pages are images he took. The first part may be useful if you have the exact same equipment but, if not, you won't get anything out of it. His images range from mediocre to great, but there is no information on how he captured or processed them. In short, this is just a great big pat on the back by the author for the author. Don't waste your money, you'll get nothing for it.
9 of 9 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
I could hardly wait for this book because I live next to a more than 2 million-city (Budapest) in Hungary and half of the night sky is terrible from my backyard; so the main reason behind my ordering this book was its subtitle.
But the truth is that only the very first section (seven pages incl. pictures and PC screenshots) of this book deals with this problem and that is just a kind of approach from bird's eye view; the rest of the text is a "normal" and elementary level astro-photo book. (And I have much better astro photography and image processing sources as Wodarski or Berry&Burnell...)
At the same time, there are too many pictures (roughly 1/3 of the book!!!) as sample image collection. Some of them are really very nice shots and some others are poor but without any explanations regarding the features of their capture and/or image processing.
So this book is not bad at all but I can recommend it for beginners only as another overview about new technology of astro-photography and there is nothing special in it.
But the truth is that only the very first section (seven pages incl. pictures and PC screenshots) of this book deals with this problem and that is just a kind of approach from bird's eye view; the rest of the text is a "normal" and elementary level astro-photo book. (And I have much better astro photography and image processing sources as Wodarski or Berry&Burnell...)
At the same time, there are too many pictures (roughly 1/3 of the book!!!) as sample image collection. Some of them are really very nice shots and some others are poor but without any explanations regarding the features of their capture and/or image processing.
So this book is not bad at all but I can recommend it for beginners only as another overview about new technology of astro-photography and there is nothing special in it.
8 of 9 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
If you are considering this book in order to learn how to image with basic astronomical equipment and CCD imaging gear.
I was disappointed with it since it comes from the "Practical Astronomy" series. Mr. Stuart's set up is anything but practical. I know of few people who get into this hobby and instantly purchase their own dome, establish a network, and run their equipment from the convenience of their home. The cost of his endeavor must have been in the tens of thousands, not my idea of amateur nor practical.
Chapters 3 and 4 provide the most pertinent information on image collecting and processing. This is the meat of the subject and what most everyone starting out in astrophotography needs to know. Mr. Stuart, unfortunately, spends relatively little time describing the nuts-and-bolts of imaging with a CCD device, instead relying upon the Santa Barbara Imaging Group to handle the rough spots. WebCAM's have become the tool of choice for many backyard astronomers and the author devotes nothing more than a few pages describing them. He does, however, describe the processing stages and that is the strength of the book. Chapter 5 shows some of his best deep space images and some of the solar system objects he has photographed. Fine work, but with the amount of cash he tossed at them, they should be.
If you are interested in finding a quick solution, this book is not it. If you are established and want to learn how to shoot like the big boys, then Mr. Stuart's book is just fine.
I was disappointed with it since it comes from the "Practical Astronomy" series. Mr. Stuart's set up is anything but practical. I know of few people who get into this hobby and instantly purchase their own dome, establish a network, and run their equipment from the convenience of their home. The cost of his endeavor must have been in the tens of thousands, not my idea of amateur nor practical.
Chapters 3 and 4 provide the most pertinent information on image collecting and processing. This is the meat of the subject and what most everyone starting out in astrophotography needs to know. Mr. Stuart, unfortunately, spends relatively little time describing the nuts-and-bolts of imaging with a CCD device, instead relying upon the Santa Barbara Imaging Group to handle the rough spots. WebCAM's have become the tool of choice for many backyard astronomers and the author devotes nothing more than a few pages describing them. He does, however, describe the processing stages and that is the strength of the book. Chapter 5 shows some of his best deep space images and some of the solar system objects he has photographed. Fine work, but with the amount of cash he tossed at them, they should be.
If you are interested in finding a quick solution, this book is not it. If you are established and want to learn how to shoot like the big boys, then Mr. Stuart's book is just fine.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
Not so useful
This book was a disappointment for me. The author spends a lot of time about his observatory and relatively little on the how to do it. Read more
Published 7 months ago by Dr. John, Ph.D.
Interesting guide for beginners
This book is giving a great picture of all aspects for CCD Astrophotography. It is a very good guide for Begineers!
Published 19 months ago by Fabio Acquarone
Don't buy this book
What a disappointment... this book was not useful to me for any purpose other than to read about the equipment & software used by the author. Read more
Published on May 27, 2009 by Christian Amacker
Getting Better
At first I did not like the book much and it sat on my shelve. I revisited it recently and have changed my mind. There is a lot of information contained within its pages. Read more
Published on August 18, 2008 by Jon Bosley
Great first book
Very down to earth information that was helpful to someone like me who is just getting started. He was very gracious when I contacted him with further questions! Read more
Published on April 20, 2008 by Grey Day
CCD Astrophotography Book
Not bad really. This book is not AT ALL intended for the routine person who is interested in astronomy, and wishes to use his digital SLR camera in combination with his telescope... Read more
Published on March 10, 2008 by Paul Garland
Not for beginners
The first word that comes to mind regarding Adam Stuarts book is disappointing. Perhaps If he did not proclaim it was a beginners book... Read more
Published on May 21, 2007 by John chase
This book is for beginner
I am slightly disappointed.
This book is not for actual, practical astrophotography. I think it might be a kind of his essay about astrophotography. Read more
This book is not for actual, practical astrophotography. I think it might be a kind of his essay about astrophotography. Read more
Published on February 25, 2007 by Baek Seung Myung
CCD Astrophotography
The book in excellent condition.
It is the best book so far, for
CCD photography.
It is the best book so far, for
CCD photography.
Published on August 18, 2006 by Humberto A. Pozo
High-Quality Imaging from the Suburbs
Excellent book. I would recommend it to anyone who is interested in pursuing a hobby in astrophotography, or for anyone who is just wondering what the sky looks like from an... Read more
Published on August 15, 2006 by JBS
Inside This Book
(learn more)
First Sentence:
Light pollution is the bane of amateur astronomers, whether your interest is in observing or imaging. Read the first page Key Phrases - Statistically Improbable Phrases (SIPs): (learn more)
imaging train, many imagers, declination drift, astrometric solution, dew shield, virtual sky, open star cluster, observatory computer, bias frames, polar alignment, focal reducer, imaging session, luminance image, cosmic ray hits, emission nebula, globular star cluster, dark frames, deep sky objects, corrector plate, extended integrations, guide star, ring nebula, light pollution, drive base, minor planets Key Phrases - Capitalized Phrases (CAPs): (learn more)
Stellarvue Nighthawk, High Quality Imaging, Collection of Astrophotos, Technical Innovations, Software Bisque, Astro Pier, Meade Instruments, Kendrick Astro Instruments, Meade Superwedge, Starlight Xpress, Rosette Nebula, Meade Instrument Corporation, United States, Astronomik Type, Cocoon Nebula, Equipment Inventory, Average Combine, Bubble Nebula, Charles Messier, Find Orb, Flame Nebula, Flaming Star Nebula, Full Moon, Horsehead Nebula, Jim's Mobile New!
Books on Related Topics | Concordance | Text Stats Browse Sample Pages:
Front Cover | Table of Contents | First Pages | Index | Surprise Me!
Light pollution is the bane of amateur astronomers, whether your interest is in observing or imaging. Read the first page Key Phrases - Statistically Improbable Phrases (SIPs): (learn more)
imaging train, many imagers, declination drift, astrometric solution, dew shield, virtual sky, open star cluster, observatory computer, bias frames, polar alignment, focal reducer, imaging session, luminance image, cosmic ray hits, emission nebula, globular star cluster, dark frames, deep sky objects, corrector plate, extended integrations, guide star, ring nebula, light pollution, drive base, minor planets Key Phrases - Capitalized Phrases (CAPs): (learn more)
Stellarvue Nighthawk, High Quality Imaging, Collection of Astrophotos, Technical Innovations, Software Bisque, Astro Pier, Meade Instruments, Kendrick Astro Instruments, Meade Superwedge, Starlight Xpress, Rosette Nebula, Meade Instrument Corporation, United States, Astronomik Type, Cocoon Nebula, Equipment Inventory, Average Combine, Bubble Nebula, Charles Messier, Find Orb, Flame Nebula, Flaming Star Nebula, Full Moon, Horsehead Nebula, Jim's Mobile New!
Books on Related Topics | Concordance | Text Stats Browse Sample Pages:
Front Cover | Table of Contents | First Pages | Index | Surprise Me!
Citations (learn more)
This book cites 24
books:
See all 24 books this book cites
- The Christmas Tree by Breanna Cone on page 106, and page 108
- Astronomical Equipment for Amateurs (Patrick Moore's Practical Astronomy Series) by Martin Mobberley in Front Matter
- Space Odyssey: an Anthology of Great Science Fiction Stories by Robert Silverberg on page 89
- Observing Variable Stars (Patrick Moore's Practical Astronomy Series) by Gerry A. Good in Front Matter
- Light Pollution: Responses and Remedies (Patrick Moore's Practical Astronomy Series) by Bob Mizon in Front Matter
See all 24 books this book cites
Books on Related Topics
(learn more)
|
|
What Other Items Do Customers Buy After Viewing This Item?
Tags Customers Associate with This Product(What's this?)Click on a tag to find related items, discussions, and people.
|
Customer Discussions
|
This product's forum
Active discussions in related forums
Search Customer Discussions
|
Related forums
|
Listmania!
So You'd Like to...
|
|
