The first edition of this stunning reference atlas was hailed as the most comprehensive, detailed, and beautiful account of the Messier objects then available. The second edition of the Atlas continues this trend, with thoroughly updated astrophysical, historical, and observational information and new large-scale color photos for every object.
Several decades have elapsed since the publication of any similar book in the German language. The lack of such a book has been felt keenly by all friends of astronomy. In our space age, astronomical knowledge arouses public interest more and more. Practical observation at the telescope depends more than anything else on such knowledge. The educational value of such a training is undisputed. On the other hand, the work of the amateur astronomer can also contribute essentially to the work of the professionals. It is from these points of view that this handbook aims to help with versatile advice. At the same time, the book intends to show the wide range of applied astronomy, as it presents itself to the friend of the stars; in mathematical-physical fields, in precision mechanics and optics, and last but not least in the area of social relations. Beyond the circle of amateur astronomers the book is addressed to lecturers, teachers, students and pupils. It wishes to serve them as a guide to "astronomical experiments", which we suggest should be performed in primary and secondary schools, specialist colleges, and extramural courses.
First published in 1999, this much expanded and updated edition of the best-selling handbook Astrophotography for the Amateur provides a complete guide to taking pictures of stars, galaxies, the Moon, the Sun, comets, meteors and eclipses, using equipment and materials readily available to the hobbyist. In this new edition, the book has been completely revised and now includes new chapters on computer image processing and CCD imaging; expanded advice on choosing cameras and telescopes; completely updated information about the films; a much larger bibliography; and hundreds of new photographs (in colour, and black and white) demonstrating the latest equipment and techniques. Astrophotography for the Amateur has become the standard handbook for all amateur astronomers. This expanded and updated edition provides an ideal introduction for beginners and a complete handbook for advanced amateurs. It will also appeal to photography enthusiasts who can discover how to take spectacular images with only modest equipment.
