Astronomy is one of the oldest of the sciences, and even today
most of the names we use for stars date back to the time of the
ancient civilizations. The recent surge in media coverage has helped
create an explosion of interest in the subject, and thanks to modern
technology, there is no longer a daunting boundary to cross before
you can begin to do astronomy for yourself.
What has changed beyond recognition in recent years is the use
of readily accessible technology in astronomy - from the digital
camera, to computer control for telescopes, from the Charge
Coupled Device to the vast array of software available to assist
astronomers to process their images.
Our motive when writing this book was to combine for the first
time the science and practice of astronomy, with an account of
the latest technology and techniques. Advice is given on chosing
and using a telescope, teaming it with a camera, and capturing
the sort of images which until recently could only be obtained with
professional instruments.
At the back of the book is a full star atlas to help you track down
what you can see on any night of the year, making this a complete
and self contained guide book.Patrick Moore
Pete Lawrence
Selsey, UK, 2012PREFACE
Astronomer Book