Below is a list of topics you may find helpful in Amateur Astronomy.

Today, the amateur astronomer as access to a huge array of different imaging systems, from the simple camera to the more elaborate CCD cameras. At wyas we have a terrific selection of equipment that can be used to image the night sky, with a few members actively imaging the night sky on a regular basis.

An Introduction to CCD Imaging                                                             By Stuart Wray

  I entered the world of CCD imaging in March 2000 when I purchased a Starlight Xpress MX5-C camera and I am still learning how to get the best from it. This article is intended to give an introduction and some tips I have learnt along the way.

As I do not have an expensive well-driven telescope (Meade 4505) most of my photos are taken with a normal camera lens attached to the camera with the camera strapped to the body of my telescope (see picture).

  The first problem I encountered was knowing exactly where in the sky my camera was pointing as the camera mount is such that it is almost impossible to align the camera with the telescope. I therefore use a wide angle (28mm) lens to give as wide a field of view as possible. Working with Skymap Pro on my computer screen I can then determine what I am looking at. I then move the ‘scope until the object is in the centre of the screen and I then change the lens depending on the size of the object to be photographed.

   You need to be aware of the limitations of your equipment and concentrate on what it is capable of and excellent pictures can be taken. Using these simple techniques I have been able to take some good pictures and have even had one published in “Astronomy Now”.