Capturing the Universe: A Photographer’s Guide to Deep-Sky Imaging

Description

This book provides a thorough introduction to and exploration of deep sky astrophotography for the digital photographer. With over 280 images, graphs, and tables, this introductory book uses a progressive and practical style to teach readers how to image the night sky using existing, affordable equipment. The book opens with a brief astronomy primer, followed by chapters that build progressively to explain the challenges, offer solutions, and provide invaluable information on equipment choice through image capture, calibration, and processing in affordable software. The book’s focus ranges from how to image sweeping vistas and star trails using only a camera body, lens and tripod, to more advanced methods suitable for imaging galaxies, clusters, nebulae, and stars. Other features of the book include: Real-world assignments showing how and when to use certain tools and how to overcome challenges and setbacks Practical construction projects Evaluations of the most recent developments in affordable hardware and software Exploration on how sensor performance and light pollution relate to image quality and exposure planning Ground-breaking practical chapters on lucky imaging and choosing and using the latest CMOS cameras Written in an accessible, easy to follow format, this comprehensive guide equips readers with all the necessary skills to progress from photographer to astrophotographer. Cover Title Page Copyright Page Contents Preface About The Author Introduction New Horizons The Diverse Universe Terms of Reference Landscape Astrophotography Getting Started Star Trails Improving Quality (part 1) Milky Way Vista Wide-Field Deep-Sky Imaging The Limits of Amateur Astrophotography Planning for Success Simple Telescope Mounts Imaging Hardware Setting Up a Simple Mount System Orion Constellation Improving Focus (part 1) Image Processing (part 1) Pleiades Loose Cluster (M45) Improving Quality (part 2) Deep-Sky Imaging Raising the Bar Dual-Axis Telescope Mounts Acquisition Systems Setting Up an Acquisition System Improving Tracking Improving Focus (part 2) Problem Solving Eastern Veil Nebula (NGC6992) Image Processing (part 2) Orion Nebula (M42) Extended Deep-Sky Imaging Pushing the Boundaries Dedicated Camera Systems Heart Nebula (IC1805) Image Processing (part 3) Automating Operation Appendices Deep-Sky Lucky Imaging Cloudy Projects Bibliography and Resources Glossary and Index Glossary Index