CCD imaging is one of the easiest ways of capturing pictures of the night sky.  Think of an astronomical CCD as a digital camera for your telescope.  An astronomical CCD captures images and sends them directly to your computer.  Unlike digital cameras, CCDs require a separate computer for operation.  CCD imaging is faster and easier than film or digital camera astrophotography, and, unlike film, because the images are digital they are easily manipulated and enhanced with a computer.  CCDs also have the advantage of being much more sensitive than either film or digital cameras, meaning they can capture faint deep sky objects using much shorter exposures.

For more details on CCD cameras and CCD imaging visit the Introduction to CCD Imaging and Equipment Basics sections.

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