Astrophotography Targets by Season
This guide covers some of the best deep-sky astrophotography targets by season in the northern hemisphere.
From bright nebulae and galaxies to beautiful star clusters, you’ll find targets that are perfect for beginners and seasoned imagers alike.
Knowing what targets are available to you throughout the year makes planning your nights under the stars way easier.
Let’s check out some of the most popular targets for each season so you can get the most out of your gear and your clear skies.
You can jump directly to each season using the links below:
Use this guide to help decide which focal length to use for each target.
Winter (December – February)
Winter is a magical time for astrophotographers, with crisp nights and some of the most iconic deep-sky objects visible in the sky.
The constellation Orion dominates the winter sky, bringing with it stunning targets like the Orion Nebula and the Horsehead Nebula.
These months provide perfect opportunities to capture bright nebulae and star clusters, with less atmospheric interference thanks to the colder weather.
Orion Nebula
The Orion Nebula (M42) is one of the brightest nebulae in the night sky and is visible to the naked eye.
The M42 nebula is part of a much larger nebula system known as the Orion Molecular Complex, which extends throughout the Orion constellation, including objects such as the Horsehead Nebula, M78, and Barnard’s Loop.
When photographing the Orion Nebula, it is common to include the nearby Running Man Nebula (NGC 1977) in the same frame, as shown below.
The Orion Nebula. Apertura 75Q + ZWO ASI2600MM Pro.
Horsehead Nebula and Flame Nebula
The Horsehead Nebula (Barnard 33) is an iconic dark nebula in the constellation Orion. Though the Flame Nebula (NGC 2024) is its own separate target, it is often photographed with the Horsehead Nebula.
Unlike many other dark nebulae in the night sky, this one is very easy to find. It is located near the most eastern star in Orion’s Belt, Alnitak.
The darkness of the Horsehead Nebula’s figure is created by thick interstellar dust blocking the light of the gas and stars behind it.
The Horsehead Nebula and Flame. Apertura 75Q + ZWO ASI2600MM Pro.
Rosette Nebula
The Rosette Nebula (Caldwell 49) is a stunning astrophotography target for your camera and telescope. The colorful hydrogen gas and embedded open star cluster (NGC 2244) make this winter deep-sky target one that is not to be overlooked.
With an apparent magnitude of 9.0, this object is an excellent choice for astrophotographers shooting in a light-polluted area. There is no substitute for dark skies, but a light pollution filter can work wonders on this target.
To find the Rosette Nebula, look to the left of Orion the hunter in the constellation Monoceros.
The Rosette Nebula. Canon EOS Rebel T3i + Explore Scientific ED 102.
The Pleiades
The Pleiades (M45) star cluster is one of the nearest star clusters to Earth and the most obvious naked-eye cluster in the night sky, located in the constellation Taurus.
Although the cluster consists of over 1000 stars, the “Seven Sisters” dominate your visual and photographic attention.
To find the Pleiades, use the bright orange star Aldebaran as a guide. If you draw an invisible line from Orion’s Belt to Aldebaran, you’ll eventually reach the Pleiades.
Captured using ZWO ASI2400MC Pro and William Optics RedCat 71.
Christmas Tree Cluster and Cone Nebula
The Cone Nebula (NGC 2264) is a long, dark interstellar pillar of gas and dust that lives inside of a massive star-forming region surrounding the Christmas Tree Cluster in the constellation Monoceros.
The Cone Nebula forms the southern part of NGC 2264, while the Christmas Tree Cluster resides to its north in the constellation Monoceros.
The red emission nebulosity surrounding NGC 2264 dominates the scene, with a cool blue glow of the Christmas tree cluster highlighting the young, hot stars.
The Christmas Tree Cluster and Cone Nebula. Sky-Watcher Esprit 150 + ZWO ASI2400MC Pro.
Additional Targets:
- Crab Nebula (M1): A supernova remnant in Taurus.
- Beehive Cluster (M44): Bright open star cluster in Cancer.
- Barnard’s Loop (Sh2-276): Faint emission nebula surrounding Orion’s Belt.
- Witch Head Nebula (IC 2118): Faint reflection nebula near Rigel in Orion.
| Winter Target | Constellation | Focal Length |
|---|---|---|
| Orion Nebula (M42) | Orion | Wide |
| Horsehead and Flame Nebula | Orion | Mid |
| Barnard’s Loop | Orion | Wide |
| Rosette Nebula | Monoceros | Wide |
| Christmas Tree Cluster and Cone Nebula | Monoceros | Mid |
| Witch Head Nebula | Eridanus | Wide |
| Crab Nebula (M1) | Taurus | Mid-to-long |
| Pleiades (M45) | Taurus | Wide |
| Beehive Cluster (M44) | Cancer | Wide |
Spring (March – May)
As the cold of winter fades and spring arrives, the night sky reveals a rich collection of galaxies.
The spring sky is often referred to as “galaxy season,” offering impressive targets like the Leo Triplet, Whirlpool Galaxy, and the Sombrero Galaxy.
This is the perfect time to practice long-exposure techniques and galaxy photography as these objects shine bright.
Leo Triplet
The Leo Triplet (M65, M66, NGC 3628) is an interesting group of three spiral galaxies found in the constellation Leo, that are often observed and photographed within a single field of view.
Each one of the galaxies is tilted at a different angle, making them all appear quite different from each other from our vantage point on Earth.
NGC 3628 (The Hamburger Galaxy) is seen edge-on, with dark dust lanes that obscure the bright core of the galaxy. M65 and M66 are on angles that show off their beautiful spiral structure.
The Leo Triplet. Sky-Watcher Esprit 100 + ZWO ASI294MC Pro.
Whirlpool Galaxy
The Whirlpool Galaxy Galaxy (M51), is a spiral galaxy in the constellation Canes Venatici. Many use the easternmost star of the Big Dipper (Alkaid), looking slightly southwest towards Cor Caroli in Canes Venatici, to find this galaxy.
It features two prominent spiral arms that wind clockwise, each filled with lanes of stars, gas, and dust. These arms serve as stellar nurseries, where new stars are continuously being born.
Due to its high surface brightness and impressively detailed spiral arm structure, it is a popular and extremely satisfying astrophotography target during galaxy season.
The Whirlpool Galaxy in LRGB. Sky-Watcher Esprit 150.
Sombrero Galaxy
The Sombrero Galaxy (M104) is a lenticular galaxy in the constellation Virgo.
You’ll find M104 near the border of the constellations Virgo and Corvus, and finding the bright star, Spica help.
From our vantage point on Earth, we are viewing this galaxy nearly edge-on, with its bright nucleus bring covered by a prominent dark dust lane that crosses in front of it. It’s the dark dust lane and the bright nucleus bulge that give this galaxy the appearance of a sombrero hat.
The Sombrero Galaxy in LRGB. Sky-Watcher Esprit 150.
Needle Galaxy
The Needle Galaxy (NGC 4565) is a striking edge-on spiral galaxy located in the constellation Coma Berenices.
Its thin, elongated shape with a bright central bulge and dark dust lanes, giving a clear view of its structure, which resembles a needle.
The Needle Galaxy is about the same size as the Whirlpool Galaxy, although it is on its side. Often considered one of the finest edge-on galaxies, the Needle Galaxy is a key example of a classic spiral galaxy seen from the side.
The Needle Galaxy Captured using a Celestron Edge HD 11.
Pinwheel Galaxy
The Pinwheel Galaxy (M101) is massive grand spiral design galaxy, more than double the size of our own Milky Way Galaxy, in the constellation Ursa Major. It’s asymmetrical shape is due to the forces from interactions with its companion galaxies.
It is one of the largest and brightest galaxies in the observable night sky and makes it an excellent deep-sky astrophotography target no matter which focal length you shoot it at.
Though there is no substitute for dark skies, a broadband light pollution filter can enhance your view of this galaxy from the city.
The Pinwheel Galaxy. Sky-Watcher Esprit 150.
Additional Targets:
- M3: Bright globular cluster in Canes Venatici.
- Markarian’s Chain: Stretch of galaxies in the Virgo Cluster that form an arc.
- Antennae Galaxies (NGC 4038/NGC 4039): Pair of faint, interacting galaxies in Corvus.
- Black Eye Galaxy (M64): Spiral galaxy in Coma Berenices
| Spring Target | Constellation | Focal Length |
|---|---|---|
| Leo Triplet | Leo | Mid |
| Whirlpool Galaxy (M51) | Canes Venatici | Mid |
| M3 Globular Cluster | Canes Venatici | Mid |
| Sombrero Galaxy (M104) | Virgo | Long |
| Needle Galaxy | Coma Berenices | Long |
| Pinwheel Galaxy (M101) | Ursa Major | Wide |
| Black Eye Galaxy (M64) | Coma Berenices | Mid-to-long |
| Markarian’s Chain | Virgo | Mid-to-long |
| Antennae Galaxies | Corvus | Long |
| Great Hercules Cluster (M13) | Hercules | Mid |
Summer (June – August)
Summer brings warm nights and the spectacular Milky Way core rising above the horizon.
The southern constellations of Sagittarius and Scorpius offer lots of nebulae, including the Lagoon and Trifid Nebulae, which are perfect for wide-field imaging.
This is the season to explore glowing nebulae, and other bright targets that make the summer sky a favorite for many astrophotographers.
Keep in mind that, with the sun setting later in the evening the nights are shorter.
Milky Way Core
The Milky Way is the galaxy that contains our Solar System and the familiar constellations in our night sky. When people talk about photographing the Milky Way, they usually refer to the dense core towards the constellation Sagittarius because it is the brightest part of our galaxy in the night sky.
A basic camera kit will allow you to explore long-exposure astrophotography, and experience the incredible amount of light you can record in the night sky to capture the Milky Way.
The bright lights of the city will wash out the night sky, and only the brightest stars will be visible. For the best possible shot, you’ll want to take your photo well away from the city light pollution and during the new moon phase.
The Milky Way Core rising in mid-July. Camera and Lens on Star Tracker.
Lagoon Nebula
The Lagoon Nebula (M8) is a bright emission nebula in the constellation Sagittarius. It is an active stellar nursery, an area of dust and gas in space where stars are formed.
It is an extremely satisfying target to photograph using nearly any camera, at any focal length. Even a wide-angle lens will show a noticeable pink glow in the vicinity of M8. It’s also bright enough to shine through a light-polluted city sky.
The Lagoon Nebula is often photographed next to the nearby Trifid Nebula.
The Lagoon Nebula. ZWO ASI2400MC Pro + William Optics RedCat 61.
Trifid Nebula
The Trifid Nebula (M20) is a combination of three elements creating a stunning deep-sky object in the Sagittarius constellation.
It includes a red emission nebula (light from hydrogen atoms), a blue reflection nebula (dust reflected by starlight), a and dark nebula, with dense dust that silhouettes the light beneath it. A DSLR camera that has been modified for astrophotography will help capture more of the intense hydrogen gas in this nebula.
You do not need a large telescope to photograph this deep-sky object, a wide field refractor will reveal the nearby (Messier 21) star cluster.
The Trifid Nebula Captured with a Sky-Watcher Esprit 150.
Eagle Nebula
The Eagle Nebula (M16) is a region of active star formation located in the constellation Serpens. It is most famous for the Pillars of Creation, towering columns of gas and dust where new stars are born.
With an apparent magnitude of +6.2, even a short 30-second exposure is enough to start recording the intense glow of the core.
From the city, you can expect to capture about 1-2 hours’ worth of integrated exposure time before revealing the faint details of the outer nebula regions.
The Eagle Nebula. ZWO ASI2400MC Pro + Sky-Watcher Esprit 150.
Eastern/Western Veil Nebula
The Veil Nebula consists of both the Eastern Veil (NGC 6992) and Western Veil Nebula (NGC 6960) are part of the expansive Veil Nebula supernova remnant in the constellation Cygnus.
The Eastern Veil shows detailed strands of gas, while the Western Veil, also called the Witch’s Broom Nebula, looks like a bright ribbon stretching past the star 52 Cygni. Together, they mark opposite sides of the Cygnus Loop. Other parts of the loop, like Pickering’s Triangle, are fainter and less commonly seen.
Both of these targets are popular targets to observe and photograph. Most people choose to image them separately, as each region offers unique details and structure.
Eastern Veil (upper left), Pickering’s Triangle (upper right), Western Veil (outer right).
North America Nebula
The North America Nebula (NGC 7000) is a large emission nebula in the constellation Cygnus. It is named for its striking resemblance to the shape of the North American continent.
The glowing hydrogen gas emitted from the North America Nebula, particularly around the Cygnus wall makes it a sought-after image for backyard astrophotographers.
A wide-field refractor telescope with a short focal length is recommended for such a large astrophotography target.
The North America Nebula. Askar SQA55 + ZWO ASI2600MC Pro.
Rho Ophiuchi
Rho Ophiuchi is a stunning, colorful star-forming region located near the bright star Antares in the constellation Ophiuchus.
Known for its vivid mix of reflection, emission, and dark nebulae, it displays rich hues of blue, orange, and brown in long-exposure images.
This region is a favorite among astrophotographers for its dramatic contrast and intricate structure.
Rho Ophiuchi. Canon EOS R + Rokinon 135 f/2 lens.
Additional Targets:
- Great Hercules Cluster (M13): Globular cluster in the constellation Hercules.
- The Blue Horsehead Nebula (IC 4592): Faint reflection nebula in Scorpius.
- Dark Horse Nebula (Lynds 204): Dark nebula shaped like a horse in Ophiuchus.
- Propeller Nebula (DWB 111): Faint emission nebula in Cygnus.
| Summer Target | Constellation | Focal Length |
|---|---|---|
| Lagoon Nebula (M8) | Sagittarius | Wide |
| Trifid Nebula (M20) | Sagittarius | Wide |
| Eagle Nebula (M16) | Serpens | Mid |
| North America Nebula | Cygnus | Wide |
| Eastern/Western Veil Nebula | Cygnus | Mid |
| Propeller Nebula | Cygnus | Mid |
| Milky Way Core | Sagittarius | Wide |
| Dark Horse Nebula | Sagittarius | Wide |
| Blue Horsehead Nebula | Scorpius | Wide |
| Rho Ophiuchi | Ophiuchus | Wide |
Fall (September – November)
As the nights grow longer and cooler again, fall provides a mix of galaxies and nebulae.
This season is dominated by the Andromeda Galaxy, the largest and brightest galaxy visible from Earth, and the Triangulum Galaxy.
Nebulae like the Heart and Soul Nebulae also offer stunning details in wide-field images.
It’s a great time to capture some of the lesser-known deep-sky objects as we transition into winter.
Andromeda Galaxy
The Andromeda Galaxy (M31) is a large spiral galaxy in the constellation Andromeda, next to Cassiopeia.
From mid-northern latitudes, M31 is visible most nights of the year, but September offers the best views. By fall, the Andromeda Galaxy is high enough in the sky to observe starting at nightfall and watch it travel across the sky all night long.
This is a great time to photograph the Andromeda Galaxy, as it is wise to shoot objects that are as close to the zenith as possible to minimize the effects of turbulence in the air and localized light pollution.
The Andromeda Galaxy. ZWO ASI2400MC Pro + SKy-Watcher Esprit 150.
Triangulum Galaxy
The Triangulum Galaxy (M33) is a stunning face-on spiral galaxy found in the small constellation Triangulum.
Its intricate spiral arms and rich hydrogen regions make it a rewarding subject for long-exposure astrophotography.
While fainter than Andromeda, it remains a popular choice for wide-field galaxy imaging.
The Triangulum Galaxy. ZWO ASI2600MM Pro + Starfield GEAR 115.
Helix Nebula
The Helix Nebula (NGC 7293) is a large planetary nebula in the constellation Aquarius, often referred to the “Eye of God” in pop culture due to its appearance.
This target is the remnant of a dying star, with glowing gas expanding into space and creating a colorful, donut-shaped structure.
Despite its low surface brightness, astrophotography enthusiasts are able to capture this target using modest telescope equipment and narrowband filters.
The Helix Nebula. QHY 268C + Sky-Watcher Esprit 150.
Heart and Soul Nebula
The Heart Nebula (IC1805) and Soul Nebula (IC 1848) are a pair of large emission nebulae in the constellation Cassiopeia. As star-forming regions, they are rich in glowing hydrogen gas.
Their distinct shapes make them popular wide-field targets, especially when captured together in a single frame.
These nebulae shine brightest in narrowband imaging, revealing incredible detail and structure.
Heart Nebula (bottom) and Soul Nebula (top).
Pacman Nebula
The Pacman Nebula (NGC 281) is a bright emission nebula in the constellation Cassiopeia.
It features glowing hydrogen gas, dark dust lanes, and active star-forming regions that make it a striking target for narrowband imaging.
Its relatively compact size and brightness make it a great pick for beginner and intermediate astrophotographers.
The Pacman Nebula. ZWO ASI2600MM Pro + Apertura 75Q.
Crescent Nebula
The Crescent Nebula (NGC 6888) is a dramatic emission nebula in the constellation Cygnus. It was formed by the powerful stellar winds of a dying Wolf-Rayet star.
Its intricate, bubble-like shape and glowing hydrogen and oxygen gases make it a standout target for narrowband imaging.
Though small, it’s rich in detail and a favorite for mid-to-long focal length setups.
The Crescent Nebula. Canon EOS Ra + Sky-Watcher Esprit 150.
Additional Targets:
- The Ghost Nebula (Sh2-136): Faint reflection nebula in Cepheus.
- The Little Dumbbell Nebula (M76): Planetary nebula in the constellation Perseus.
- The Phantom Galaxy (M74): Face-on spiral galaxy in Pisces.
| Fall Target | Constellation | Focal Length |
|---|---|---|
| Andromeda Galaxy (M31) | Andromeda | Wide |
| Triangulum Galaxy (M33) | Triangulum | Wide |
| Helix Nebula | Aquarius | Mid-to-long |
| Heart and Soul Nebula | Cassiopeia | Wide |
| Pacman Nebula | Cassiopeia | Mid |
| Crescent Nebula | Cygnus | Mid-to-long |
| Ghost Nebula (Sh2-136) | Cepheus | Mid-to-long |
| Little Dumbbell Nebula (M76) | Pegasus | Mid-to-long |
| Phantom Galaxy (M74) | Pisces | Mid-to-long |
Conclusion
There is no shortage of popular deep-sky objects to photograph throughout the year. The night sky is packed with amazing things to photograph, and this list just scratches the surface.
These seasonal targets are some of the most popular picks for astrophotographers and are especially popular for beginners because they’re bright, beautiful, and relatively easy to capture.
Of course, there are tons of other deep-sky objects out there waiting to be explored. Don’t be afraid to experiment, tackle challenging faint/dim objects, or chase whatever catches your eye.
Ashley is an environmental educator, communication professional, and astrophotographer. She has extensive experience writing for diverse audiences to increase public awareness and engagement. Ashley is an active Advocate and Delegate with DarkSky International, helping to protect the nighttime environment from the harmful effects of light pollution through advocacy and outreach.
