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…
An asterism is a pattern or group of stars that form a recognizable shape in the night sky. They can include stars from one constellation or span across multiple constellations. Asterisms are typically smaller and easier to spot than constellations, making them popular targets and helpful reference points for stargazers to locate celestial objects. Asterism…
While I have several videos discussing the topic of deep-sky astrophotography on my YouTube channel, I realized it was time for a thorough walkthrough of my entire current process (as of 2023) for capturing deep-sky images with a camera and telescope. This article aims to accomplish that goal by providing a step-by-step roadmap to follow to get your…
Astrophotography is all about capturing the beauty of the night sky, but choosing the right location is just as important as your gear. So, how do you find the best places to shoot the stars when you don’t have the benefit of living under dark skies? Here’s everything you need to know to choose the…
If you’re in the market for a high-performance astrograph with full-frame capabilities and a premium build, the Askar SQA106 is definitely worth a closer look. This impressive quintuplet refractor delivers a 509mm focal length at f/4.8 and is designed to produce flat, color-accurate images without the need for additional flatteners or backfocus tinkering. In this…
M16 (Messier 16) is known by amateur astronomers and astrophotographers as the Eagle Nebula. It is one of the brightest nebulae in the night sky, and is visible in both the northern and southern hemispheres. The Eagle Nebula is a large cloud of gas and dust where new stars are born. When you take a look…
I recently assembled a budget astrophotography rig to capture deep-sky objects in my backyard. While I knew this system would be very capable, I was astonished by the quality of the pictures I took with it. Astrophotography (and photography in general) can be an expensive hobby with high-end equipment often costing thousands of dollars. While…
A total lunar eclipse is a celestial event that anyone can appreciate. Amateur photographers and astrophotographers alike are preparing to photograph a lunar eclipse using a wide range of camera equipment. The best part? You don’t need expensive gear or special filters to capture a great shot. You can get impressive results with the right…
As a full-time astrophotographer, I understand how much there is to learn during the beginning stages of your journey. Along with learning how to use an entirely new set of equipment, you also have to learn a number of astrophotography-specific terms to fully understand the process. Thankfully, it will all click eventually, even if you…
A basic deep-sky astrophotography equipment setup typically includes an equatorial tracking mount, a camera, and a telescope or lens. Additional accessories may be added to improve tracking (autoguiding) and automate the imaging session throughout the night. My personal astrophotography equipment profile has evolved substantially over the years (and yours may too). This article is designed…
Live Stacking and Electronically Assisted Astronomy (EAA) are ways for amateur astronomers and astrophotographers to explore the universe in near real-time. Astronomy has always been about exploring the wonders of the universe, from distant galaxies to nearby planets. Thanks to technological advancements, modern hobbyists have access to tools (such as smart telescopes) that make observing…
The SVBONY SV555 is a variable aperture prime focus lens/telescope designed for wide-field astrophotography. Many of you have been requesting a review of an SVBONY telescope for years, and today, I’m excited to share my thoughts on this one. The SV555 Petzval lens is an interesting option in the competitive market of wide-field refractor telescopes,…