Best Astrophotography Targets in November 2023

November brings long nights perfect for astrophotography. The autumn constellations shine high overhead, displaying a variety of celestial treasures. Taurus shows off its glittering star clusters while Orion rises with nebulae glowing brightly. Andromeda climbs to an optimal position for imaging its beautiful spiral galaxy. Late fall also brings meteor showers, providing opportunities to capture … Read more

Best Astrophotography Targets in October 2023

October is a favorite month for astrophotographers, offering optimal night sky conditions to capture breathtaking images. As summer haze dissipates, the cosmos comes into clearer focus. Amateur and professional photographers alike eagerly anticipate Orion Nebula rising in the east and the Milky Way glowing brightly as our galaxy’s center passes nearly overhead. In the following … Read more

Best Astrophotography Targets in September 2023

For astrophotographers, September brings a bounty of spectacular cosmic objects into the ideal observing position. The changing night sky offers new challenges and photo opportunities as summer transitions to fall. The Milky Way shifts toward the horizon, revealing more of its dusty depths. Planets put on dramatic displays. And Orion and other iconic constellations return … Read more

Best Astrophotography Targets in August 2023

For astrophotographers, the month of August offers excellent opportunities to capture stunning celestial images. With the Milky Way on full display, bright planets visible for most of the night, and meteor showers peaking, there are many exciting targets to train your lens on. From the core of our home galaxy to dazzling nebulae and far-distant … Read more

Best Dark Sky Locations in Colorado

Colorado is a state known for its natural beauty and diverse landscapes, from the majestic Rocky Mountains to the rolling plains of the eastern prairies. But did you know that Colorado is also home to some of the best dark sky locations in the country? These are places where the night sky is free from … Read more

Lens Focusing Tips You Need for Pinpoint Stars

Capturing the intricate details of astronomical objects requires mastering critical lens focusing skills. Without proper focus, even the most advanced astrophotography setup will fail to produce perfectly sharp images. While autofocus capabilities have improved dramatically, manual techniques remain essential for optimizing focus. Rather than settling for “close enough,” astrophotographers must devote time to magnified focus … Read more

Best Astrophotography Targets for July 2023

July is a great month for astrophotography in the northern hemisphere, especially for capturing the Milky Way and some of its most beautiful features. The summer nights are short, but they offer a dark window of opportunity to photograph some of the best deep-sky objects. Here are some of the best astrophotography targets for July … Read more

Ring Nebula: A Detailed Guide for Astrophotographers

Welcome, stargazers and astrophotography enthusiasts! Today, we’ll delve into a captivating cosmic object—the Ring Nebula. Positioned approximately 2,000 light-years away within the constellation of Lyra, the Ring Nebula is an awe-inspiring astronomical marvel, offering a unique opportunity for astrophotographers. In this detailed guide, we’ll explore its characteristics, unveil some of its intriguing facts, and provide … Read more

Autoguiding: Enhance Your Astrophotography Skills

Autoguiding is a technique used in long-exposure astrophotography to accurately track celestial bodies, compensating for the Earth’s rotation. This approach ensures that stars appear as perfect points of light, rather than streaks or trails, even in very long exposures. By mastering autoguiding, you can capture sharper, clearer images that reveal the intricate details of our … Read more