Any amateur astronomer who is interested in astrophotography, particularly if just getting started, needs to know what objects are best for imaging in each month of the year. These are not necessarily the same objects that are the most spectacular or intriguing visually. The camera reveals different things and has different requirements. What objects in the sky tonight are large enough, bright enough, and high enough to be photographed? This book reveals, for each month of the year, the choicest celestial treasures within the reach of a commercial CCD camera. Helpful hints and advice on framing, exposures, and filters are included. Each deep sky object is explained in beautiful detail, so that observers will gain a richer understanding of these astronomical objects.

This is not a book that dwells on the technology of CCD, Webcam, wet, or other types of astrophotography. Neither is it a book about in-depth computer processing of the images (although this topic is included). Detailed discussions of these topics can be found in other publications. This book focuses on what northern latitude objects to image at any given time of the year to get the most spectacular results.

Astrobiology — the study of the intimate relationship between life and the cosmos — is a fast-growing field that touches on aspects of cosmology, astrophysics, and chemistry. In the first scholarly overview of this dynamic field, biochemists Kevin W. Plaxco and Michael Gross tell the story of life from the Big Bang to the present.

Emphasizing the biochemical nature of astrobiology, Plaxco and Gross examine the origin of the chemical elements, the events behind the developments that made the Universe habitable, and the ongoing sustenance of life. They discuss the formation of the first galaxies and stars, the diverse chemistry of the primordial planet, the origins of metabolism, the evolution of complex organisms, and the feedback regulation of Earth's climate. They also explore life in extreme habitats, potential extraterrestrial habitats, and the search for extraterrestrial life.

This broadly accessible introduction captures the excitement, controversy, and evolution of the dynamic young field of astrobiology. It shows clearly how scientists from different disciplines can combine their special knowledge to enhance our understanding of the Universe.

There are two basic methods of recording astronomical images seen through the eyepiece of a telescope. Photography (these days, usually digital imaging with a CCD camera) is one, the other is sketching. Astronomical sketching and drawing has a long and esteemed history. Many astronomers believe it is still unrivalled for recording and illustrating transient phenomena (such as TLPs) or for taking advantage of the fleeting moments of extreme clarity that result from the turbulent atmosphere through which Earth-based astronomers carry out all their observing. Unfortunately, astronomical sketching and drawing is seldom taught as such, and is regarded by many amateur astronomers as the province of a talented few. This is not the case – the necessary techniques can be taught, just as portraiture and still-life drawing can be (and is) taught. This book could become a classic.

Why use the traditional approach to study the stars when you can turn computers, handheld devices, and telescopes into out-of-this-world stargazing tools? Whether you're a first timer or an advanced hobbyist, you'll find Astronomy Hacks both useful and fun. From upgrading your optical finder to photographing stars, this book is the perfect cosmic companion.

This handy field guide covers the basics of observing, and what you need to know about tweaking, tuning, adjusting, and tricking out a 'scope. Expect priceless tips and tools for using a Dobsonian Telescope, the large-aperture telescope you can inexpensively build in your garage. Get advice on protocols involved with using electronics including in dark places without ruining the party.

Astronomy Hacks begins the space exploration by getting you set up with the right equipment for observing and admiring the stars in an urban setting. Along for the trip are first rate tips for making most of observations. The hacks show you how to: Dark-Adapt Your Notebook ComputerChoose the Best BinocularClean Your Eyepieces and Lenses SafelyUpgrade Your Optical FinderPhotograph the Stars with Basic EquipmentThe O'Reilly Hacks series has reclaimed the term "hacking" to mean innovating, unearthing, and creating shortcuts, gizmos, and gears. With these hacks, you don't dream it-you do it—and Astronomy Hacks brings space dreams to life. The book is essential for anyone who wants to get the most out of an evening under the stars and have memorable celestial adventures.

Astronomy: 365 Days is a spectacular collection of photographs of space and sky, drawn from Jerry Bonnell and Robert Nemiroff’s enormously popular website, Astronomy Picture of the Day (APOD).

The follow-up to their previous collaboration, The Universe: 365 Days (the second-highest- selling title in the 365 Days series), this volume is filled with amazing images from the Spirit and Opportunity rovers on Mars and the Cassini spacecraft orbiting Saturn, the latest revelations from the Hubble Space Telescope, and gorgeous views from professionals and amateurs. Each photograph is accompanied by explanatory text that greatly expands the reader’s appreciation of the wonders of the cosmos.

Perfect for anyone who’s ever felt the allure of the skies, Astronomy: 365 Days is a heavenly treasure.

Astrophysics is a subject that is often - with some justification - regarded as extremely difficult, requiring at least degree-level mathematics as a prerequisite to its understanding. Consequently, many amateur astronomers just don't bother, and miss out on the fascinating fundamentals of the subject, and often on an understanding of exactly what they are observing.

Mike Inglis' quantitative approach to astrophysics cuts through all the incomprehensible mathematics, and explains all aspects of astrophysics in simple terms.

A unique feature of this book is the way that example objects for practical observation are given at every stage, so that practical astronomers can go and look at the objected or objects under discussion, using only commercial amateur equipment.

Not all amateur astronomers who live in a suburban location realize just how very effective a ‘chilled-chip’ astronomical CCD-camera and software can be at cutting through seemingly impenetrable light-pollution. CCD Astrophotography from the Suburbs details one man’s approach to the problem of getting high-quality astronomical images under light-polluted conditions. Adam Stuart has written this reference book for all amateur astronomers who are interested in CCD imaging, especially those who have to work under suburban conditions. The book outlines the materials and (commercially-available) equipment used for high-quality imaging. The many wonderful images Dr. Stuart has produced allow the reader to see the product of – initially – a fellow beginner’s efforts. The glorious images found in numerous books, and especially those seen in Sky and Telescope magazine – might seem out of reach. But this is not really the case. Respectable images are attainable with modest equipment. This book outlines a complete and thoroughly tested working program for every beginner to achieve high-quality digital imaging.

The Cambridge Photographic Guide to the Planets includes a broad selection of the latest images of the planets, moons, comets, and asteroids of the Earth's Solar System. Beginning with a comprehensive introduction to the planetary system, its origin and its evolution, physicist Frederick Taylor devotes each chapter to a different planet or Solar System body, with a thorough presentation of its moons and rings, and incorporates images from planetary missions and explanatory captions. Having worked with NASA and the European Space Agency on missions to Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Mercury, and Titan, Taylor offers an unusually experienced perspective in this comprehensive reference. Frederic W. Taylor is Halley Professor of Physics at the University of Oxford and a Distinguished Visiting Scientist in the Earth and Space Sciences Division at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology. His research interests include the physics of planetary atmospheres; experimental methods for studying atmospheres; and the theory of atmospheric radiation and atmospheric molecular spectroscopy.

Commercially-made astronomical telescopes are better and less expensive than ever before, and their optical and mechanical performance can be superb. When a good-quality telescope fails to perform as well as it might, the reason is quite probably that it needs a little care and attention! Here is a complete guide for anyone who wants to understand more than just the basics of astronomical telescopes and accessories, and how to maintain them in the peak of condition. The latest on safely adjusting, cleaning, and maintaining your equipment is combined with thoroughly updated methods from the old masters. Here, too, are details of choosing new and used optics and accessories, along with enhancements you can make to extend their versatility and useful lifetime. This book is for you. Really. Looking after an astronomical telescope isnÆt only for the experts - although there some things that only an expert should attempt - and every serious amateur astronomer will find invaluable information here, gleaned from Barlow PepinÆs many yearsÆ experience working with optical instruments.

The highly successful Clementine mission to the Moon in 1994 gave scientists their first global look at the Moon, and both the near and far side were mapped. This atlas is based on the data collected by the Clementine mission. It covers the entire Moon in 144 Lunar Aeronautical Charts (LACs), and represents the most complete lunar nomenclature database in existence, listing virtually all named craters and other features. This is the first atlas to show the entire lunar surface in uniform scale and format. A section of color plates shows lunar composition and physical properties.

Without sacrificing any of the detail or breadth of the full-size edition, the essential reference source for maps of every planet, moon, or small body investigated by NASA missions is now available in a convenient, portable format. Featuring over 150 maps, 214 color illustrations and a gazetteer that lists the names of all features officially approved by the International Astronomical Union, The Compact NASA Atlas of the Solar System includes the full range of information gathered from NASA missions throughout the Solar System. Compiled by the US Geological Survey, this atlas includes: -Geological maps -Reference maps -Shaded relief maps -Synthetic aperture radar mosaics -Color photo-mosaics that present the features of planets and their satellites This 'road map' of the solar system is the definitive guide for planetary science and should be part of every cartographers and astonomer's collection. Ronald Greeley is a Regent Professor in the Department of Geological Sciences at Arizona State University. He is a team member of the Galileo mission to Jupiter and of the Mars Pathfinder lander. Greeley is currently a co-investigator for the European Mars Express mission. Raymond Batson spent his 35-year career with the United States Geological Survey. He has worked in terrestrial mapping and in lunar and planetary mapping. Batson served as co-investigator or team member on most NASA planetary missions, including the Apollo lunar lander missions, the Mariner Mars and Venus/Mercury mapping missions, the Viking 1 and 2 Mars mapping missions, the Voyager missions to the outer planets, and the Magellan Venus radar mapping mission.

The book will, in jargon-free blow-by-blow terms, describe how to create the best astronomical images you can with the digital camera equipment at your disposal. It will explain the steps we go through to extract results from the raw-and-dirty original imagery, and then transform them into high quality pictures that you could hang on your wall.

The advent of CCDs, and more recently inexpensive webcams, has led to a much greater proportion of amateur astronomers becoming involved in digital imaging. The low price of the new Meade Deep Sky Imager - $299 (2005) – suggests that within a few years a simple digital camera will become a standard accessory for any telescope.

There are as yet few books available on this aspect of amateur astronomy. This situation is likely to change in the next few years and there are going to be lots of people out there asking questions like "Flat field? What does that mean?", and trying to work out how to get the best out of their webcam, CCD or Digital SLR. They will also be wondering what is the best software to use.

To summarise; this is a book that tells practical astronomers (and that includes some but not all professionals) what is needed to get from standing in the dark with a telescope and a camera, to showing your spouse, local society friends or even supervisor the astonishing images that can be obtained with simple equipment but the right software and knowledge of how to use it.

(Grant Privett works for the Ministry of Defence in the UK, heading up the Advanced Image Processing Team.)

Your digital camera is more than new incarnation of your old film camera. Yes, it still produces photos, but it also offers new outlets for creativity, including instant gratification of seeing your photos now, the ability to experiment without worrying about expense, the technology to fine-tune your photos with advanced professional techniques, and the means to share your work instantaneously with anyone, anyplace in the world. It's no wonder that digital cameras are outselling traditional cameras for the first time ever. But the question most digital camera users ask is this, "How do I get from taking 'decent' photos to doing the things I'd really like to do? How do I tap into that potential?"

Digital Photography Hacks is your passport to taking the kind of digital photos you've always aspired to. Written by Derrick Story, photographer and author of Digital Photography Pocket Guide and other books, it goes beyond the standard fare of most digital photography books—such as camera basics, understanding memory cards, and when to use a flash—to the things that professional photographers have learned through thousands of shots' worth of experience, years of experimentation, and fiddling and hacking. The book includes a foreword by photographer Rick Smolan, author of America 24/7.

With exquisite, full-color photos throughout, the book presents a collection of tips, tricks, and techniques for photographers ready to move beyond the basics. And if you don't have the latest in digital camera photography, this book will show you how to extend the life and functionality of your existing camera. All the hacks in the book are platform-agnostic, designed for use on both Mac on Windows-based computers. You'll find 100 proven techniques in the areas of: Daytime and nighttime photo secrets Flash magic Digital camera attachments The computer connection Photoshop magic Fun photo projects Camera phone tricks This book is for the photographer you are now, and the one you want to be. Digital Photography Hacks is for the creative adventurer who resides in each of us.