Introduction

This book takes a unique and progressive approach through the first steps in astrophotography. This book, after the briefest of introductions to the world of astrophotography, takes on a journey of increasing refinement. This is punctuated with increasingly demanding practical assignments. At the beginning, these require no more than an existing digital camera and tripod and slowly build up to a modest telescope, mount and a dedicated astrophotography camera. Specialist techniques are introduced along the way, just when they are needed. The case studies introduce unique challenges and methods by which they are acquired and processed. A worked example is often a wonderful way to explain things and these case studies deliberately use a variety of equipment, techniques and software. Some case studies are deliberately experimental and present an opportunity to discuss alternative promising techniques. Astrophotography and astronomy, in general, lend themselves to practical invention.