Astronomy Technical, physical text on (astro)photography & telescopes?

AI Thread Summary
Many amateur astrophotography resources lack the mathematical depth needed for practical calculations, leading to a demand for comprehensive texts covering essential topics such as magnification, image scale, focal length, focal ratios, field of view, resolution, and diffraction limits. There is a call for a book that consolidates these practical calculations, with some suggesting that a full geometrical optics textbook may be necessary, along with additional resources on lens and mirror design. A notable recommendation is "Physics of Digital Photography" by Andy Rowlands, though it may not suffice as a standalone guide. Another suggested resource is "Modern Optical Engineering" by Warren Smith, which is considered suitable for those seeking the mathematical aspects of optics. The discussion emphasizes the need for accessible materials that bridge theoretical knowledge with practical applications in astrophotography.
yucheng
Messages
232
Reaction score
57
It appears that many texts on astrophotography and telescopes for amateurs tend to avoid mathematical formulas, as such, they are of little use to do some practical calculations.

What I am interested in is:
Magnification
Image scale
Focal length
Focal plane and sensor plane! (CCDs!)
Focal-ratio and its physical significance
Field of view
Resolution
Diffraction limit?
etc
Extra: find focal length of telescope from radius of curvature?...

Essentially, a book that covers all practical calculations one can find.

Do you know of any such book? I have the eerie feeling that a full-blown geometrical optics textbook is required, but then one still need to read about lens design... And another for mirrors and telescope. Indeed mirrors! Do they call that mirror design?

Or is basic knowledge just enough for practical applications?

A relevant book is:
Physics of Digital Photography, Andy Rowlands (actually, 2nd ed is out)

Judging from the first chapter (freely available on publisher website), it is indeed fairly technical. Though, it appears to be insufficient as a standalone text. Readers it seems are referred to the more than 5 textbooks listed at the reference (I'm not sure about 2nd ed though, plus I have to look at the ensuing chapters.)

Thanks in advance!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
yucheng said:
Do you know of any such book? I have the eerie feeling that a full-blown geometrical optics textbook is required, but then one still need to read about lens design... And another for mirrors and telescope.
If you're looking for the math, then yes, an optics-focused textbook is just what you need.
One possibility:
Modern Optical Engineering by Warren Smith (whatever edition is cheapest)
 
Drakkith said:
If you're looking for the math, then yes, an optics-focused textbook is just what you need.
One possibility:
Modern Optical Engineering by Warren Smith (whatever edition is cheapest)
Optics, my greatest fear. Yup, I'll look into this book. Thanks!
 
For the following four books, has anyone used them in a course or for self study? Compiler Construction Principles and Practice 1st Edition by Kenneth C Louden Programming Languages Principles and Practices 3rd Edition by Kenneth C Louden, and Kenneth A Lambert Programming Languages 2nd Edition by Allen B Tucker, Robert E Noonan Concepts of Programming Languages 9th Edition by Robert W Sebesta If yes to either, can you share your opinions about your personal experience using them. I...
Hi, I have notice that Ashcroft, Mermin and Wei worked at a revised edition of the original solid state physics book (here). The book, however, seems to be never available. I have also read that the reason is related to some disputes related to copyright. Do you have any further information about it? Did you have the opportunity to get your hands on this revised edition? I am really curious about it, also considering that I am planning to buy the book in the near future... Thanks!
I’ve heard that in some countries (for example, Argentina), the curriculum is structured differently from the typical American program. In the U.S., students usually take a general physics course first, then move on to a textbook like Griffiths, and only encounter Jackson at the graduate level. In contrast, in those countries students go through a general physics course (such as Resnick-Halliday) and then proceed directly to Jackson. If the slower, more gradual approach is considered...

Similar threads

Replies
20
Views
4K
Replies
128
Views
43K
Replies
7
Views
3K
Replies
7
Views
4K
Replies
1
Views
3K
Replies
5
Views
3K
Back
Top