Splendors of the Universe: A Practical Gudie to Photographing the Night Sky - Hardcover

Dickinson, Terence; Newton, Jack

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1552091414 ISBN 13: 9781552091418

Publisher: Firefly Books, 1997

Synopsis

Catch a Falling Star--With a Camera Majestic clouds of cosmic gas floating in constellations ... the elegant swirl of a remote spiral galaxy ... the Milky Way's ethereal glow on a cool summer night. All of these scenes can be yours. Equipped with modern photographic films or electronic-imaging techniques, the dedicated backyard astronomer can surpass all but the very best solar picture obtained at the world's largest observatories.

Splendors of the Universe displays more than 200 celestial portraits ranging from lunar landscapes to remote galaxy clusters billions of light years away-all taken by amateur astronomers. More than a photo album, Splendors of the Universe provides information on the objects displayed as well as the details of how each picture was taken.

Astrophotography experts Terence Dickinson and Jack Newton offer a wealth of practical information and tips about techniques and equipment for both the novice and experienced photographers.

About this title

About the Author

Terence Dickinson is the best-selling author of Nightwatch and The Backyard Astronomer's Guide. More than one million of his previous titles are in print in three languages. He has received many national and international science awards including the New York Academy of Sciences Book of the Year Award and the Astronomical Society of the Pacific's Klumpke-Roberts Award for "excellence in communicating astronomy to the public." Previous recipients include Carl Sagan and Isaac Asimov.

Jack Newton is considered one of the world's foremost non-professional astrophotographers. His portraits of celestial objects have appeared in every leading astronomy magazine in the world.

Reviews

A practical, colorful guide for sky watchers who would like to photograph the night sky for its pretty-picture qualities--and at low cost, which means an upper limit of a couple of hundred dollars spent on a used 35mm camera, a few lenses, and a tripod. This book would complete the ensemble and orient the beginner in the basics of capturing naked-eye celestial objects (the moon, planets, and the brighter stars) as well as transient phenomena (eclipses, comets, aurora, and orbiting satellites). The illustrative photos, most achieved without an expensive telescope, really give the enthusiast something to shoot for. From tripod techniques the authors advance to timed exposures that bring out the fine detail in the Milky Way. In keeping with their theme of practicing this hobby on a budget, they describe constructing a hand-cranked sky tracker, "low-tech at its best." Still, some gadget-heads want more, and final sections explain the uses of telescopes and CCDs (charge-coupled devices). Gilbert Taylor

Illustrated with over 200 absolutely gorgeous color photographs, all made by amateur astronomers, this substantial book provides detailed information on photographing the night sky. Dickinson (Nightwatch, Firefly, 1989) and Newton, a noted nonprofessional astrophotographer, begin with an explanation of photographing the moon and constellations, as well as halos, sun dogs, and comets, with a camera and tripod. After opening with what amounts to a visual tour of the universe, as seen through camera and telescope, the authors then provide helpful technical information along with advice on getting the most from one's gear and materials. They conclude their book with lists of resources?astrophotography suppliers, web sites, reference books, and magazines?as well as technical data on lenses and exposure guidelines. While night photography may not be for everyone, this detailed, practical work demonstrates that anyone who proceeds with care and precision can make exquisite photographs of the moon and the stars. Highly recommended for all libraries, especially those with solid astronomy and photography collections.?Raymond Bial, Parkland Coll. Lib., Champaign, IL
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Edition details

• Publisher: Firefly Books
• Publication date: 1997
• ISBN 10: 1552091414
• ISBN 13: 9781552091418
• Binding: Hardcover
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 144