30% Discount Off Textbooks. Scroll down to make purchases.
scientific astrophotography: how amateurs can generate and use professional imaging data (2013 springer books)
Scientific Astrophotography is intended for those amateur astronomers who are looking for new challenges, once they have mastered visual observing and the basic imaging of various astronomical objects. It will also be a useful reference for scientifically inclined observers who want to learn the fundamentals of astrophotography with a firm emphasis on the discipline of scientific imaging. This books is not about making beautiful astronomical images; it is about recording astronomical images that are scientifically rigorous and from which accurate data can be extracted.
This book is unique in that it gives readers the skills necessary for obtaining excellent images for scientific purposes in a concise and procedurally oriented manner. This not only gets the reader used to a disciplined approach to imaging to maximize quality, but also to maximize the success (and minimize the frustration!) inherent in the pursuit of astrophotography. The knowledge and skills imparted to the reader of this handbook also provide an excellent basis for “beautiful picture” astrophotography!
There is a wealth of information in this book – a distillation of ideas and data presented by a diverse set of sources and based on the most recent techniques, equipment, and data available to the amateur astronomer. There are also numerous practical exercises. Scientific Astrophotography is perfect for any amateur astronomer who wants to go beyond just astrophotography and actually contribute to the science of astronomy.
30% discount off retail price. $3.00 added for shipping and handling for softcover book. Shipped via USPS Media Mail.
remote observatories for amateur astronomers: using high-powered telescopes from home (2015 Springer books)
Remote Observatories for Amateur Astronomers is for those who want to enhance their capabilities to contribute to science and need to look no farther than this guide to using remote observatories. The contributors cover how to build your own remote observatory as well as the existing infrastructure of commercial networks of remote observatories that are available to the amateur. They provide specific advice on which programs to use based on your project objectives and offer practical project suggestions. Remotely controlled observatories have many advantages—the most obvious that the observer does not have to be physically present to carry out observations.
Such an observatory can also be used more fully because its time can be scheduled and usefully shared among several astronomers working on different observing projects. More and more professional-level observatories are open to use by amateurs in this way via the Internet, and more advanced amateur astronomers can even build their own remote observatories for sharing among members of a society or interest group.
30% discount off retail price. $3.00 added for shipping and handling for softcover book. Shipped via USPS Media Mail.
MSRO SCience training programs
The training program consists of both classroom and hands-on laboratory sessions using the MSRO. Students attend all sessions remotely over the Internet. Opportunities to visit and attend talks at the MSRO facility are offered to all our students.
The MSRO Science Training Program has several elements that, when brought together, create a comprehensive training environment that makes the best use of both the student’s and the instructor’s time.
Introduction to MSRO Training—General overview of MSRO Science and the MSRO. The introductory experiences described in Outreach Activities are derived from this portion of our training program, which consists of a detailed overview of our training. Our main training curriculum is presented in two parts—technical training and observer training. This training includes both classroom and laboratory sessions.
MSRO Observer Training Course—Detailed training on how to create an observing plan tailored to the equipment available on the MSRO Science observatory stations to observe a wide variety of celestial objects for both general astrophotography and science projects. Our observer training covers everything needed to use the MSRO facility, equipment, and instruments to gather astronomical data remotely in the comfort of the observer’s own home.
MSRO Technical Training Course—Detailed technical training on MSRO systems, subsystems, and components, software, and system operations and maintenance. Our technical training gives students a thorough look at how the MSRO facility was designed and implemented and covers all the decisions made during the design phase to support implementation, operation, and maintenance of the observatory.
The PDF or eBook version of your selected course’s textbook is included in the Observer Training or Technical Training course.