What is the basic role of CCD imaging in amateur astronomy? Why are amateur astronomers using these devices?
Using CCD cameras, the CCD imager attaches to the telescope’s eyepiece-holder in a roughly similar manner as a 35mm camera body is attached. The imager allows a very fast “picture” (digital exposure) to be taken of even faint celestial objects. This exposure can be seen immediately on the display screen of a common personal computer and, if desired, can be stored on a disc for future reference or printed out to obtain a hard copy of the image. These points will be expanded upon in the discussion that follows.
