Astrophotography

Photographing the night sky can be an intimidating task. But by following a few simple tips, you can start capturing your own stunning astronomical images.

emission nebula NGC 7822

Astrophotography

How are long-exposure astrophotos made?

$The author captured the Rosette Nebula under Bortle 2 skies with a ZWO ASI2600MC Pro camera on an Astro-Tech 72ED refractor atop an iOptron CEM40 mount. This image comprises 104 three-minute exposures.$

Astrophotography, Telescopes and Equipment

Finding your first astroimaging rig

Astronomy for beginners, Astrophotography, Observing Basics, Solar System

Beginner’s guide: How to photograph comets

Astrophotography, Solar System

Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS stuns in photos at perihelion

Astrophotography

Annular eclipse shot wins astronomy image of the year

The Southern Ring Nebula (NGC 3132) was one of James Webb Space Telescope’s first targets after launching summer of 2022. Using the available data and processing software, anyone can create their own unique image.

Astrophotography

How to process JWST images like a pro

My first image of the Lagoon Nebula (M8) was effectively zoomed in so far that the object looked nothing like a lagoon. It was taken with a Nikon D3100 on my Celestron 8-inch SCT, with an exposure time of 30 seconds at ISO 3200.

Astrophotography, Observing Basics

How to choose the right focal length for your astrophotos

Astrophotography, Observing, Science

JWST sees light invisible to the eye. These scientists decide how to color it

Thor’s Helmet, NGC 2359

Astrophotography, Science

What are the most beautiful images in astronomy?

The summer Milky Way was photographed from a hilltop over the Modoc Plateau in California using ten 3-minute exposures and a Sigma Art 14mm lens. All photos were taken with a Nikon D750 DSLR, pre-processed in Adobe Bridge, and post-processed in Adobe Photoshop.

Astrophotography

How to take your own wide-field sky images

I captured the Eagle Nebula (M16) at the 2019 Texas Star Party using a borrowed SBIG STF-8300M and Baader 8nm Hα/OIII/SII filters on my Takahashi FSQ106N. Recognize those pillars at the center?

Astrophotography, Observing Basics

How to take Hubble-like photos: Filters and post-processing guide

The Orion Arm hangs in the sky over the Okie-Tex Star Party in this two-minute exposure taken at ISO 3200. All images were shot with an astromodified Canon EOS 6D and 16–35mm f/2.8 zoom lens unless otherwise noted. Credit: Adrian Bradley

Astrophotography

Chasing nightscapes: Tips for taking wide-field shots of the land and sky

Popular Observing Topics

Credit: NASA Goddard Space Flight Center/Public Domain via Wikimedia Commons.

The Sun

Safely observing the Sun can be a fun and rewarding experience.

Credit: Ted Hauter.

The Moon

Our nearest celestial neighbor provides many great sights.

Planets

Targeting our solar system’s other worlds is well worth the effort.

Credit: Tony Hallas.

Deep-Sky Objects

Nebulae, star clusters, and galaxies are the night sky’s hidden gems.

Credit: Celestron.

Telescopes & Equipment

Explore the tools that can help you unlock the night sky.

Credit: Peter Michaud, Gemini Observatory.

Astrophotography

Capturing great celestial sights is both an art and a skill.

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