A Dobsonian telescope is widely agreed to be the best possible “first telescope” for a beginner. It offers the largest aperture for the price, delivering impressive visual views through the eyepiece. A Dobsonian (or “Dob”) is a type of telescope that was popularized by John Dobson in 1965. The simple altazimuth-mounted Newtonian reflector design is…
The Whale Galaxy is a barred spiral galaxy in the constellation Canes Venatici. NGC 4631 has been given the nickname “The Whale Galaxy” thanks to its wedge-like shape that resembles a whale. This galaxy lies 25 million light-years from Earth and is a similar size to our own Milky Way Galaxy. The Whale Galaxy contains…
With so many types of astrophotography cameras available, choosing a specific model to spend your hard-earned money on can be a tough decision. Beginners usually start with an entry-level DSLR or mirrorless camera as they are cost-effective and versatile, and I still think that’s the best way to go. Unlike a point-and-shoot or mobile phone…
Saturday Night Under the Stars Astrophotography in the City Last weekend I posted a new video to my YouTube channel titled DSLR Astrophotography – A Night in the Backyard with my Camera. It is now Early-April, and we are in what amateur astrophotographers call “Galaxy Season”, as we transition from the Winter Constellations like Orion…
The Needle Galaxy is an edge-on spiral galaxy that lies about 40 million light-years away from Earth. You’ll find this beautiful galaxy in the northern constellation, Coma Berenices. I photographed the Needle Galaxy 5 years apart (2016-2021). The first image was captured using an 80mm refractor (480mm) and the second, an 11″ SCT (1960mm). Photographing…
The M81 and M82 galaxies are a pair of galaxies located in the constellation, Ursa Major. M81 (Bode’s Galaxy) is a spiral galaxy that lies approximately 11.8 million light-years away, while M82 (The Cigar Galaxy) is an irregular galaxy at roughly the same distance away from Earth. These galaxies have a gravitational lock on each…
The Pinwheel Galaxy is a striking face-on spiral galaxy in the constellation Ursa Major. Charles Messier included the Pinwheel Galaxy as M101 as a late entry to his list of 110 astronomy objects. Messier 101 can be located with your telescope by star-hopping from the bright star, Alkaid, in the handle of the Big Dipper….
The Cocoon Nebula (IC 5146) is located in a crowded field of stars spanning approximately 2 degrees. This interesting emission/reflection nebula resides within the constellation Cygnus, which rises high overhead to stargazers in mid-northern latitudes like myself. IC 5146 is a compact star-forming region, with a long trail of obscuring interstellar dust clouds. The NGC…
The Witch Head Nebula is a faint reflection nebula in the constellation Orion. Its appearance resembles the side profile of a Witch’s face, complete with a long nose and pointy chin. The dusty areas of this nebula are lit by the nearby star Rigel, a Blue-White Supergiant Star. Cataloged as IC 2118, this nebula is…
The Rosette Nebula 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. Also referred to as “The Skull Nebula”, this impressive object competes for your attention alongside the nearby Orion Nebula,…
The Pelican Nebula is an H II region (emission nebula) in the constellation Cygnus. Cataloged as IC 5070, this nebula lies right next to the North America Nebula. The Pelican Nebula contains an active mix of star formation and evolving gas clouds. An ionization front is gradually transforming the gas of the Pelican Nebula thanks…
The Heart Nebula (IC 1805) is a large emission nebula in the constellation Cassiopeia. The beauty of this iconic astrophotography target is due to its mix of both bright pink hydrogen gas, and dark dust clouds. This glowing nebula gets its nickname from the familiar shape it resembles and is located approximately 7,500 light-years from…