Planetary Astronomy: Observing, Imaging and Studying the Planets

Planetary Astronomy is a comprehensive practical guide to observing, imaging, and studying the planets, written by a team of experienced planetary observers. Originally published in French as Astronomie planétaire, this updated English edition brings together their collective expertise in equipment, observing techniques, planetary imaging, image processing, and scientific analysis.

The book covers everything from choosing and optimizing a telescope and camera to assessing atmospheric conditions, using planetary filters, and extracting the finest details from your observations. Detailed guidance on software such as AutoStakkert!, Registax, and WinJUPOS is complemented by dedicated chapters on the seven planets, helping observers recognize and understand changing features such as Jupiter’s atmospheric activity, Martian dust storms, and bright storms on Uranus and Neptune.

For more advanced observers, the book also explains how to analyse planetary images scientifically, including measuring positional changes, creating maps, and contributing observations to collaborative research projects. It is an excellent reference for anyone looking to progress from simply photographing the planets to understanding, documenting, and scientifically studying them.