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THE ASTRONOMER Electronic Circular No 1617      2001 Mar 24 19.20UT
Ed:Guy M Hurst, 16,Westminster Close, Kempshott Rise,  Basingstoke,
Hants, RG22 4PP,England.Telephone/FAX(01256)471074Int:+441256471074
INTERNET: GUY@TAHQ.DEMON.CO.UK             GMH at AST.STAR.RL.AC.UK
WORLD WIDE WEB                    http://www.demon.co.uk/astronomer
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IMAGE COLLECTIONS AND PROPOSED CD ROMS
Over the years a huge amount of photographs and images have built
up at TA HQ, some going back as far as the late 1960's.

In recent years most have been received already in digital format
as the CCD users began to dominate the scene. Before this
electronic revolution, many fine traditional photographs were
received. In addition, there are also many fine drawings by visual
observers demonstrating just how much detail can be discerned by
experienced amateur astronomers who can often glimpse these in
fleeting moments of good seeing.

Following the considerable success of our first two CD ROMs, we
have decided to extend the series by providing items from the image
collection at TAHQ, many of which has never been published due to
magazine space constraints.

When such items are received for publication, it is implied that
they can be used in the magazine or any other medium used by TA,
such as the proposed CD ROMs. However, naturally if any past
contributor does not wish their material used in this way, their
wishes will be respected, providing they e-mail or write to the
editor by the end of this month.

There is no doubt the high quality of many images can be
demonstrated better on CD ROMs than in the printing process of TA
and, as some images are in colour but black and white only in TA,
those purchasing CD ROMs will see them in their full glory for the
first time. There are also colour transparencies or negatives,
which could not be used at the time but we are now exploring
digitisation of such pictures.

If any reader would like to contribute images not previously sent,
regardless of how old these are, please submit them on a CD ROM, if
possible in one of the common formats such as 'jpeg' etc. I am also
keen that as much technical detail as possible is included for each
picture. Where only prints are held or CD ROM writing is not
possible, please e-mail or write to the editor with a schedule of
material which is available.

In addition to a series of image collections, we have also begun
preparation of other CD ROM items including our chart collection
and scans of the magazine itself which would naturally allow some
readers to see, for the first time, those very early classic issues
with the wealth of information, articles and observations by some
of the most skilful observers.

If you have any other ideas for material please contact me. Not
only will this initiative provide supporting funds to contain
major subscription rises but it will also provide readers with a
great area of enjoyment when studying the wealth of material, which
might otherwise have collected dust!
(TA Vol 37, 443, p262 [2001])

Guy M Hurst