Charge-coupled Devices (CCDs) have revolutionised astronomy. Even affordable CCD cameras can be ten times a sensitive as photographic film, and they deliver a digitised image that is easy to enhance using a personal computer. David Ratledge has brought together contributions from twelve leading amateurs from around the world, people who are routinely producing astronomical images of a quality that rivals those of professional observatories only of 10 years ago. These experts describe their techniques and solutions, and offer essential tips and advice for anyone who is choosing or using a CCD camera. Now glance through the Colour Gallery at the back of this book to see just what they have done!

A Comprehensive introduction the different types of CCD cameras * How to use a CCD camera * Many photographs (including colour) showing CCD images, computer-enhancements, and comparisons * Contributions from well-known experts in Europe, the USA and Canada * Practical advice and tips from the experts

Inhalt
1 An Introduction to CCDs.- 2 Lunar Imaging with the Cookbook CCD Camera.- 3 Solar CCD Imaging.- 4 High-Resolution Planetary Imaging.- 5 The Comet Watch Program.- 6 Imaging Comets.- 7 Nebulae and Galaxies in High Resolution.- 8 Wide-Field Imaging.- 9 CCD Imaging from the City.- 10 Overcoming Light Pollution.- 11 Tri-Colour CCD Imaging.- 12 Beyond Pretty Pictures.- Appendix A CCD Camera Manufacturers.- Appendix B Sizes of Some Common CCD Chips.- Appendix C CCD Field of View for Various Focal Lengths.- Appendix D Sizes of Some Deep-Sky Objects.- Appendix E Bibliography.- Appendix F Astronomical Image Processing Software.- Appendix G Glossary of Terms.- Contributors.