Description
Book SynopsisThe Barnard Objects have fascinated professional and amateur astronomers for over one hundred years. Many of those objects first imaged by E.E. Barnard on black-and-white photographic plates are now being captured daily in thousands of color astrophotographs. This book tells of Barnard’s story; describing his life and work as well as how the fields of astronomy and astrophotography have transformed ever since.
The chapters in this book are equal parts history and science. It will provide readers with an introduction to nebula science and the incredible discoveries made in this field over the decades; including an overview of popular astronomical catalogues and a detailed look at how astronomical imaging has advanced since Barnard’s time, from early plates to digital imaging and chips. In addition, the book features a comprehensive guide to viewing and imaging these objects yourself. A glossary of astronomical and photographic terms is provided, along with detailed references. And, an updated table displaying the locations of these Barnard Objects; including the missing twenty-five objects from E.E. Barnard’s original catalogue.
Richly researched and illustrated, this fascinating reference will attract astronomers of all skill levels interested in astrophotography and how it has changed over the past hundred years.
Table of ContentsPreface
Chapter 1. Introduction
Chapter2. Nebulae – an overview
Bright nebulae
Dark nebulae
Classical nebulae: HII regions, planetary nebulae, supernova remnants
Diffuse nebulae
Bok globules
Chapter 3. Astronomical Catalogs – an overview
Messier
NGC
IC
Sharpless
Cederblad
DG
Lynds
Chapter 4. EE Barnard, his life, observations, and his catalogs
Max Wolf (1863-1932)
Objects discovered and named after Barnard
Barnard’s awards and honors
Catherine Wolfe Bruce (1816-1900)
Bruce photographic telescopes (Yerkes, Mt. Wilson, Heidelberg)
Comet observations, Comet Halley
Planet observations
Barnard’s star
Barnard Objects
Chapter 5. Visual Observation of Barnard Objects
Astronomical League Dark Nebulae Observing Program
Chapter 6. Modern Imaging of the Barnard Objects: images and imaging technique
What to look for – nova, variable stars, change in nebulosity, astrometry,
B&W and color imaging, history of color imaging
Imaging techniques
Chapter 7. Selected Important Barnard Objects
Chapter 8. Filling in the Missing Barnard Objects- #176-200
Chapter 9. Conclusions Glossary and Table of Astronomical Catalogs
Acknowledgements
Index
