Customer Reviews

Introduction to Observing and Photographing the Solar System

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This is a first rate book on the practical study of our solar system. It covers telescopes, mountings, filters, cameras, films and other equipment. Information, observing tips and programs, sketches and photographs are presented for the Moon, 8 planets, minor bodies and comets.

The film photography section is the best I've read for work on the Moon and planets at high power in telescopes and meteors and star fields in wide angle camera lenses. Formulae are provided for guess-free calculation of magnification, exposure time and tracking factors. For those that are so inclined, various darkroom techniques are also discussed at great length for developing and processing images.

The only drawback of this book is its date. Recent advances in film and in digital techniques of processing and the use of CCD and video cameras are not covered. But for those who wish to pursue the most accessible methods of observing our solar system, this is the best book around.

The book is a good starter for real beginners hence its title is apt. The writing style is very dry which is most likely the influence of Dobbins who's articles are generally dry, cynical and sometimes self promoting. Parkers reputation and expertise with planetary imaging certainly gives the book some value. If you're serious about solar system photography, there are many other better resources available though for the absolute beginner it may be worthwhile.

The book is useful but parts need to be updated. Has some guide lines but I personally would search for a more moderen version ( up to date.)

Being an amateur astronomer for 50 years, I consider this book required reading for anyone interested in astrophotography. It is written in a way that will not bewilder the beginner and is more than technical enough for the advanced. CCD imagery is a different field and this book does not intend to try to cover that, even if was written more recently. Definitely worth the money. The authors know what they are doing and know how to explain it. In my opinion, a classic.