3.5 Introduction to Astronomical Detectors
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software. Nowadays, astronomical webcams, both converted versions of standard
webcams and webcams built specifically for astronomy, can be purchased off the
shelf. Webcams have, in general, low sensitivity and high noise, as they are designed
for video rather than imaging. However, through a technique known as lucky imaging,
it has become possible to achieve images of very high resolution of bright astronomical objects, for example the Moon and the planets. The detailed use of lucky imaging
is discussed in later chapters.