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Ken Harrison is one of the most respected members of the astronomical spectroscopy and solar imaging scene. In this truly magnificent book, Harrison takes you on a journey through the history of spectroscopy, through all of the baseline techniques that an amateur will need to go from imaging any object that a spectra can be obtained from, be that comets, our Sun, stars, planets or even the brief flashes of a meteor, and then concludes with a start to finish methodology, including some very simple mathematics, on how an amateur can design and build their very own spectroscope. Harrison covers all of the major commercially available products in some detail, as well as critical user issues such as spacing your grating from the eyepiece of the CCD and the basics of what makes a spectrum. Setting up spectroscopes with a wide variety of cameras and CCDs is covered, from simple DSLRs with eyepiece gratings to calibrated fibre optic solutions with cooled CCD cameras. The chapter on processing spectra assumes some knowledge, but that knowledge is imparted through the rest of the book and whilst the latest software such as Rspec is not covered, his treatise on VSPEC, a very popular application, means that you'll be well equipped to deal with pretty much anything. One of the highlights is the chapter on amateur spectroscopy projects, which sits at a perfect juncture in the book. Comets, planetary spectra (Uranus being an example) as well as the Doppler shift measurements for binary stars are all fed to you as tasty teasers, which you have to think about, rather than be spoon-fed step-by-step. It's a brilliant way to learn the art. Ken Harrison's book is an absolute must have for anyone considering stepping from just taking pretty pictures of the night sky to doing some serious science. Available also in Kindle format, your iPad will love you for it too! Nick Howes
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2009 Yearbook This 132-page special edition features the ultimate observing guide for 2009, a review of all the biggest news stories of 2008, in depth articles covering all aspects of astronomy and space missions for 2009, previews of International Year of Astronomy events and much, much more. U.K. STOREE.U. STOREU.S. & WORLDWIDE STOREInfinity Rising  This special publication features the photography of British astro-imager Nik Szymanek and covers a range of photographic methods from basic to advanced. Beautiful pictures of the night sky can be obtained with a simple camera and tripod before tackling more difficult projects, such as guided astrophotography through the telescope and CCD imaging.U.K. STOREE.U. STOREU.S. & WORLDWIDE STOREExploring Mars  Astronomy Now is pleased to announce the publication of Exploring Mars. The very best images of Mars taken by orbiting spacecraft and NASA's Spirit and Opportunity rovers fill up the 98 glossy pages of this special edition!U.K. STOREE.U. STOREU.S. & WORLDWIDE STOREMars rover poster  This new poster features some of the best pictures from NASA's amazing Mars Exploration Rovers Spirit and Opportunity.U.K. STOREE.U. STOREU.S. & WORLDWIDE STORE |
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