How do you choose your first telescope? Or build one from first principles? What can the deep sky offer you season-by-season? How do you get started in astrophotography? & progress to CCD imaging? The Guide to Amateur Astronomy answers the questions of the novice & the experienced amateur astronomer in one easy-to-use & comprehensive account. Throughout the emphasis is on practical methods to get you started & then develop your skills with lavish illustrations to show you just what is possible. This second edition of the highly successful Guide has been fully revised & updated. It now takes you from basic `piggyback` astrophotography, through the use of a cold camera to state-of-the-art CCD imaging; from studies of the planets to the most distant objects in the Universe. From guidelines for the care & adjustment of your telescope through to lists of the spectral classification of stars, amateur astronomy societies & clubs, all the information you need for your voyage of discovery & revelation is provided in this self-contained, helpful guide.