Thanks to modern technology, there is no longer a daunting boundary for those of us who wish to experience what it is like to actually do astronomy. Starting with a simple camera and laptop, it is possible to create beautiful images of the stars and the Moon, and perhaps, with a larger lens, to capture the rings of Saturn or the Moons of Jupiter. Add a modern telescope with superb optics and computer control, and many amateur astronomers are now producing breathtaking images of planets and remote galaxies that only a decade ago were the exclusive province of astronomers with access to professional telescopes. Stargazing: The Digital Astronomer explains the principles of astronomy as well as the practical techniques to provide both beginners and more experienced observers with all the information they need to understand and enjoy the wonders of the night sky - and to capture and share the resulting images.
