There are 'voids' obscuring all kinds of objects in the cosmos. Voids may be within an object, or between an object and us. Dark Nebulae, Dark Lanes, and Dust Lanes looks out into the deep sky at those apparent dark regions in space, which are among the most compelling telescopic destinations for amateur observers. One famous example is Barnard's dark nebulae - those striking dark clouds set against the background of stars in the Milky Way. But there are countless other less well known examples. These dark regions are often ignored altogether or commented upon only briefly in astronomy books, and it is all too easy to overlook the treasure trove they offer the observer.

Dark Nebulae, Dark Lanes, and Dust Lanes is a great source of practical information for observers. Such voids may be successfully observed using conventional observing methods, but they are often far better seen with technologies such as light-pollution filters, CCD video cameras, and image intensifiers.  This book explains the optimal ways to observe each object in detail.

As probably the only book of its type, this work is aimed at the observer who wants to spend time with something less conventional than the usual fare. Because we usually see objects in space by means of illumination of one kind or another, it has become routine to see them only in these terms. However, part of almost everything that we see is the defining dimension of dark shading, or even the complete obscuration of entire regions in space. Thus this book is focused on everything dark in space: those dark voids in the stellar fabric that mystified astronomers of old; the dark lanes reported in many star clusters; the magical dust belts or dusty regions that have given so many galaxies their identities; the great swirling 'folds' that we associate with bright nebulae; the small dark feature detectable even in some planetary nebulae; and more.

Many observers pay scant attention to dark objects and details. Perhaps they are insufficiently aware of them or of the viewing potential they hold, but also it may be because of the various viewing challenges that dark objects pose. Discussions on viewing methods and the best equipment for a wide cross section of these objects are included, along with many detailed descriptions. The book contains virtually every dark object worth the observer's attention.

Whether viewing live through the eyepiece or indirectly through CCD or other imaging techniques, this unique compendium and discussion of all things dark in space will hopefully prove compelling and rewarding.

From the reviews:

"In Dark Nebulae, Dark Lanes, and Dust Belts, Cooke describes a neglected area in the deep-sky observers' canon, the dark nebulae, and in addition he includes almost anything that may be perceived as dark in relation to deep-sky objects. ? The most likely beneficiaries of this book may well be the keen and more-advanced visual deep-sky observer who loves to chase features such as dark 'lanes' in globular star clusters and the dusty areas of spiral galaxies ? ." (Nick Hewitt, The Observatory, Vol. 132 (1231), December, 2012)

"It is clear that Cooke ? has a passion for visually observing many dark areas of the universe. He clearly articulates this passion in his book and provides a wealth of observing challenges for observers with large amateur instruments. ? this reviewer, considers the scope of the book unique, so it would not have any competition in the campus library. Most of the black-and-white figures support the text. ? Overall, a useful resource. Summing Up: Recommended. General audiences and lower-and upper-division undergraduates." (J. R. Kraus, Choice, Vol. 50 (1), September, 2012)