Deep Space Imaging

When presenting anything astronomical in book form, illustrations of some of what is described naturally play a fairly central role. Despite the fact that we are not really astro-imagers, because of time limitations, a general guide to the results you might expect to see live in the eyepiece is an important ingredient. It is also likely that you will want to be able to record some images of your observations, perhaps to show to others but also to relive what you have seen. Deep space represents the ultimate challenge, and if time is not your friend, it is highly unlikely that you will be lured toward any of today's standard and commonly ordained methods. However, there is surely at least one of the alternative methods that you will be able to try for yourself. None of them requires a significant investment of time.

Eventually the shortcomings of every imaging technique used become increasingly apparent. Ordinarily, without resorting to full-blown CCD imaging, the more elaborate frame integrating CCD video applications, or even traditional astrophotography, it would not be feasible to go further than the most rudimentary methods. But the goal of finding the most effective, simple method for showing the way objects appear in the eyepiece remains.