The objects listed in the Caldwell Catalogue supplement Messier's famous catalogue of 110 non-stellar objects, and they include some of the most fascinating objects for amateur astronomers. This comprehensive guide to the Caldwell objects has been produced specially for observers. Each object is conveniently on a double-page spread (which can even be photocopied for field use). There is a photographic image of every object and full technical data including position (with the major Star Atlas chart numbers) and NGC number. It also includes a finder map showing TelradTM circles, a star-hopping guide, a visual description of what the object looks like through amateur telescopes, and a physical description of the object itself. There is a fold-out map showing the location of all the Caldwell objects in the sky. Every practical amateur astronomer will find this an essential guide to observing the Caldwell objects.

The Internet contains so much information and data for astronomers that just finding what you want is a daunting task, and downloading can take hours of computer and telephone time. This selection of "the best of the Internet" is accompanied by a free CD-ROM containing over 300 MB of downloaded material that will fascinate every astronomer. There is a fully registered version of SkyMap, an MPEG video player, Acrobat readers, massive deep-sky, double-star, comet and asteroid databases, some of the best images and videos from space, and of course lots of shareware programs. Several NASA eclipse guides are featured, including a 120-page guide to the 1999 total solar eclipse.

Charge-coupled Devices (CCDs) have revolutionised astronomy. Even affordable CCD cameras can be ten times a sensitive as photographic film, and they deliver a digitised image that is easy to enhance using a personal computer. David Ratledge has brought together contributions from twelve leading amateurs from around the world, people who are routinely producing astronomical images of a quality that rivals those of professional observatories only of 10 years ago. These experts describe their techniques and solutions, and offer essential tips and advice for anyone who is choosing or using a CCD camera. Now glance through the Colour Gallery at the back of this book to see just what they have done!

Provides novice to accomplished amateur astronomers with a firm grounding in the basics and successful use of digital astrophotography.

Provides examples of the best images, and gives readers hints and tips about how to get the best out of this extraordinary technology.

Experts in CCD astronomy from North America and Europe have contributed to this book, illustrating their help and advice with many beautiful colour images the book is in full color throughout.

Techniques range from using simple webcams to highly technical aspects such as supernovae patrolling.

Computer processing, stacking and image-enhancement are detailed, along with many hints and tips from the experts.