Observing the sun is one of the most interesting and rewarding facets of astronomy to which amateurs can contribute meaningful data. It is the one branch of astronomy that requires only modest equipment and that can be pursued during the day. Peter Taylor, long-time chairman of the Solar Division of the American Association of Variable Star Observers, is a keen and highly experienced observer of the Sun. In this book he explains in a clear and practical way everything that a telescope user needs to know in order to make solar observations. The book deals with such topics as the historical...

If you are an amateur astronomer, and comets, asteroids, meteors, and the zodiacal light are your quarry, then this is the book for you. Comet observers can learn how to make visual estimates of brightness and size, and how to make photographic studies of cometary heads and tails. Asteroid hunters will find a "life list" of objects and guidelines on how to search for them and then how to photograph or electronically image them. Practical photographic and electronic methods for studying meteors and meteor showers are provided. Visual and photographic techniques show you how to examine the...

High-performance CCD cameras have opened up a new window on the Universe for amateur astronomers. This book provides a complete, self-contained guide to choosing and using CCD cameras. It begins with an introduction to how a CCD camera works and just what determines its performance. It then shows how to use a CCD camera and calibrate accurately the images obtained. A clear review is then provided of the software available for visualising, analyzing and processing digital images. Finally, it guides the reader through a series of key areas in astronomy where the best use of CCD cameras can be...

Jupiter is an extraordinarily colourful and dynamic planet. Over minutes, one can watch tiny shadows cast by its moons slide over its surface; over days and weeks parades of diverse, giant swirling storms can be seen to move and evolve. It is because of this richness of visual and physical properties that Jupiter has intrigued amateur and professional astronomers and has been the goal of several space missions. This highly illustrated volume provides a comprehensive and accessible account of Jupiter and its satellites. It reviews systematic telescopic observations that have stretched over...

Many astronomers are unaware of how to obtain the best results from their telescopes. For those interested in photographing the Sun, Moon and planets, this volume provides the complete reference. This guide is packed with practical tips on how to obtain the highest resolution and provides a wealth of stunning images by the world's best amateurs, showing just what can be achieved. Individual chapters describe the various types of telescopes, the most suitable equipment to photograph a given subject, and recommend films and techniques in developing and printing. Also given are short biographies...