HomeLearnAstrophotography

Astrophotography

LATEST POSTS

James Webb Captures 16.5 Million Stars in the Cigar Galaxy

Quick Facts on the Cigar Galaxy: Galaxy: Cigar Galaxy (Messier 82, NGC 3034) Distance: 12 million light-years from Earth Constellation: Ursa Major Telescope: NASA's James Webb Space Telescope (NIRCam) Observation time: 65 hours, nearly three days Image resolution: 223 megapixels Stars resolved: 16.5...

How to Photograph the Moon: A Complete Guide

Quick Facts: Subject: The moon Best settings: The Looney 11 rule, f/11 at a shutter speed of 1 over your ISO Lens: A telephoto lens, 300mm minimum, 500mm or longer ideal Support: Tripod plus a remote or a 2-second timer Focus: Manual, on...

Milky Way Photography for Beginners (No Specialty Gear)

How to Photograph the Milky Way: A Beginner's Guide Using Camera Gear You Already Own Quick Verdict: Milky way photography works with a standard DSLR or mirrorless body, a lens at f/2.8 or wider, and a sturdy tripod. Plan around a new moon and...

The Night Sky Doubles in Brightness Every 8 Years: Astrophotography’s 30-Year Reckoning

Quick Verdict Light pollution doubles globally every 8 years according to peer-reviewed data. Regulators have over 1 million satellites on file. By 2046, roughly 30 to 50 percent of long-exposure wide-field images will show visible satellite trails. A Bortle 4 backyard becomes Bortle 6...

NASA Artemis II Photos: 14 Best Shots From the 2026 Mission

  A 54-minute totality from the lunar far side, with Venus glinting at the left edge. Image: NASA, art002e009298, captured April 6, 2026. Quick Facts: NASA Artemis II Photos Mission: Artemis II crewed lunar flyby Launch: April 1, 2026 from Kennedy Space Center Lunar flyby:...

Astrophotography Tip: How to Use the 500 Rule

Few things are more frustrating in astrophotography than thinking you nailed a shot, only to zoom in and find blurry, streaked stars. You spent all that time scouting a dark sky location, adjusting your settings, and patiently shooting... but your stars look like...

Easy Astrophotography Tips for Beginners

Astrophotography lets you capture the incredible beauty of the night sky. Stars, planets, and even the Milky Way can be seen through your camera lens. It might seem complicated, but getting started is easier than you think. You do not need fancy or expensive...

Astrophotography on a Budget: Gear and Tips for Beginners

Capturing the night sky is one of the most awe-inspiring things you can do with a camera. From the swirling Milky Way to the shimmer of distant constellations, astrophotography lets you freeze cosmic moments that are otherwise invisible to the naked eye. But...

Astrophotography Tip: How to Get Clear, Sharp Pinpoint Stars

Capturing the night sky is one of the most rewarding experiences in photography. There's something magical about a frame filled with brilliant, tiny dots of light — clear, sharp, pinpoint stars that look like they've been painted onto a deep blue canvas. But...

Light Pollution and How to Work Around It in Astrophotography

Astrophotography can be one of the most rewarding forms of photography, offering a chance to capture the beauty of the night sky. However, one of the biggest challenges beginners face is light pollution. This ever-present glow from urban and suburban areas can wash...

Composition Techniques to Take Your Astrophotography to the Next Level

Astrophotography is an incredibly rewarding and visually captivating form of photography that allows you to capture the majesty of the night sky. Whether you're aiming to photograph star trails, the Milky Way, or distant galaxies, great composition is key to transforming your photos...
Latest Articles