Books G to I

Handbook of Astronomical Image Processing, This second edition of the Handbook of Astronomical Image Processing (HAIP) and its integral AIP for Windows 2.0 image processing software (AIP4Win2.0) addresses many important changes that have taken place in astronomical imaging since the publication of the first edition. Today's affordable astro-imaging capable digital single-lens-reflex cameras (DSLRs), the growing power of personal computers, and the proliferation of telescopes and imaging accessories has brought imaging capabilities within the reach of practically every amateur astronomer - and this second edition of the Handbook plus AIP4Win 2.0 is ready, willing, and able to assist every observer in making great astronomical images.

In the Handbook, we amplified the original chapters on astronomical equipment and imaging techniques, revised our discussions of astrometry and photometry to reflect the steady growth in these scientific fields, and expanded tutorials in the back of the book to help you get up to speed quickly. On the accompanying CDROM (found on the inside back cover) you will find hundreds of megabytes of sample images you can use to learn techniques such as image registration and stacking that guarantee good results even from those living with suburban and urban skies. Also new are comprehensive chapters on color imaging with astronomical CCD cameras and processing color images from digital cameras, and photon-counting fundamentals every serious astro-imager needs to know.

When you purchase the Handbook of Astronomical Image Processing, you receive one CDROM containing AIP4Win 2.0 that is licensed for use on one personal and a portable computer if you own one. AIP4Win 2.0 requires validation via the web (or telephone) within 30 days of installation. Once validated, you also receive the right to updates (free downloads via the web) and upgrades (for a fee) as they become available.

Hands on AstronomyA Cambridge Guide to Equipment and Accessories Hervé Burillier, Christophe Lehenaff, Translated by Klaus Brasch, With contributions by Michael Covington There is a vast range of astronomical equipment currently available to the amateur astronomer. This handbook presents the variety of telescopes, binoculars and accessories on the market, to help the amateur make an informed choice when buying equipment. All selection criteria are taken into account, including level of experience, budget, and observation site. Indispensable to those with a passion for practical astronomy, this handbook will help the complete beginner making his first purchase, and provide advice for the more experienced amateur wishing to upgrade his equipment.128 pages pb

How to Make a Telescope, 2nd Edition, Texereau . Considered by many to be the definitive telescope making book, especially with regards to making mirrors. Huge amounts of technical knowhow. Includes information on Schmidt- Cassegrains and Dobsonians. This book is an all-time classic. 424 pp Hardcover .
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How to Observe the Sun Safely Lee Macdonald How to Observe the Sun Safelycovers far more ground than its title implies. Learn about solar dynamics, how to measure solar activity, photographing the Sun with film or digital cameras, and, of course, the best ways to safely see the Sun.192pages

This book is a 400+ page comprehensive, nuts-and-bolts introduction to digital astro-imaging written by Robert Reeves, an accomplished author and film imager with nearly 50 years of experience who has enthusiastically made the transition to digital imaging. Robert describes how the family digital camera you probably already own can be used to take spectacular pictures of the night sky. This is especially true if you have purchased a digital camera within the past several years - even some entry level point-and-shoot digital cameras take pictures of the Moon and planets that rival or exceed the best film images. If you already own a digital camera, telescope, and computer you probably only require a camera adapter and image processing software - some of which is free - to begin your night sky imaging adventures and unlike film you see your results almost instantly!

Introduction to Webcam Astrophotography — Imaging the Universe with the amazing, affordable webcam - Robert Reeves
In the last few years webcam astrophotography has exploded onto the astronomy scene. It has rapidly evolved from short exposure six-bit black-and-white imagery into long-exposure full-color 16-bit per channel imagery of such quality that it rivals “conventional” means of astrophotography. Indeed, webcams have become the method of choice for planetary imaging.

The message of this book is that you too can participate in this revolution without spending very much money. You do not need to invest $10,000 in a CCD camera, telescope and software. A basic webcam costs about the same as a "so-so" eyepiece. Software to control the camera and process the images that will get you going is free. If you have the telescope (practically any telescope that will track) and a computer you are ready. Since you see your results instantly the learning curve is much shorter.

Regardless of how you apply a webcam to astrophotography, you will derive a number of benefits. Working with them has been accurately described as interesting, challenging, and fulfilling. Webcams are capable of producing beautiful astrophotos that create a lasting record of your astronomical experience. The book will guide you into this fascinating topic and allow you to become a participant in this latest wave of astrophotography progress.

    * Webcams are far cheaper than conventional cameras or astronomical CCDs.
    * Webcams use USB plug-and-play technology, meaning they are easy to install on a computer and have fast image download times.
    * Webcams provide real-time feedback. Focus and exposure are adjusted on the fly to insure best results.
    * Each webcam video imaging session produces a single unique image.
    * There are no film costs.
    * There is no need to wait for a full roll of images to be taken before developing them.
    * Webcams can create animated images and movies of changing events such as transits of Jovian moons or lunar occultations of bright stars and the planets.
    * Webcam images are digital-friendly, meaning they can be printed, posted on the Internet, or emailed without the need for developing or scanning.
    * Except with special black-and-white cameras, webcam images are in color. There is no need for combining tri-color images when doing lunar and planetary work.
    * With the use of proper software, some of which is free, webcams can be used as autoguiders for other forms of astrophotography.
    * A webcam shutter, the device that controls the length of an exposure, is entirely electronic. This gives webcams a great advantage over standard cameras in that there is no mechanical shutter to wear out or malfunction.
    * A webcam can easily take more individual exposures in a single evening of lunar photography than someone will take in a lifetime of snapshot photography. For instance, the full Moon mosaic on page 2 of this book is the summation of 28,800 individual video frames. This is the equivalent of snapping 800 rolls of 36-exposure 35mm film.
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