10 The visible Universe is a little more than 10 years old - the best estimate is 15 billion 50 years. It contains approximately 10 tonnes of matter. Studying the ways in which this material is arranged, and the processes which shape it over time, provide the basis for the oldest science in the world: astronomy. Structures in space which have resulted from aeons of cosmic evolution combine immensity and delicacy in a way which gives astronomical photographs a rare aesthetic appeal. This book uses the artful astrophotography and electronic imaging of Michael Stecker to illustrate these structures, and to illuminate the descriptions and explanations from Bernard Abrams which surround them. Selections from the Stecker Files have been chosen for more detailed description, including matters of imaging technique, as we expect there will be active astrophotographers as well as armchair astronomers in our audience - both are most welcome. This selection was extremely difficult; all the images are worthy of such consideration while speaking eloquently for themselves.weiterlesen