Observing and Imaging Resources

Astro-Imaging

The AISig offers this curated list of resources for beginning astrophotographers. TAAA does not endorse specific products or online content. Materials were selected for this list based solely on the opinions of individual TAAA members.

TAAA Forum – The TAAA Forum is for all TAAA members, on all astronomy-related topics. AISig members use it extensively. Ask your questions and AISig members will answer.
AstroBackyard – Lots of good content for beginners, whether using DSLRs or dedicated astro-cameras
Cuiv the Lazy Geek – Cuiv images from the heart of Tokyo and is a contributor to NINA. Lazy means that he wants to do things right with as little work as possible and that philosophy underpins many of his videos.
Why I Took Over 1000 Photos of the Pleiades from My Tokyo Balcony – A great visual demonstration of the benefits of increased integration time, from Cuiv the Lazy Geek.
Nebula Photos – Amateur Nico Carver offers a wide range of advice on imaging and equipment, excellent for beginning imagers.
Visible Dark – Shawn Nielsen is an outstanding imager who shares advice on imaging, image processing, and equipment.
Telescopius – Free and easy-to-use deep sky object search and framing tool.
Astronomy Tools – Online calculators helpful to amateur astronomers and imagers.
Field of View calculator (choose Imaging Mode at the top) – shows how your desired astronomical target fits within the field of view for your scope/camera combination.
Processing the Horsehead Nebula – Introductory workflow for PixInsight with simple and clear instructions.
The Imm Deep Sky Compendium – Excel-based database, compiled by noted imager Gary Imm, contains more than 3400 deep sky objects. You can search it in many different ways to identify targets of interest to you at any particular time of year.
The 750 Best Deep Sky Objects – Images and data about what Gary Imm thinks are the best 750 DSOs visible in the Northern Hemisphere.
Cloudy Nights Beginning Deep Sky Imaging Forum – Lots of useful information as well as a broad community of users that is generally good about responding to beginner questions. There are companion fora for Major and Minor Planet Imaging, Solar Observing and Imaging, and Lunar Observing and Imaging. There are also equipment-specific fora.
The Deep Sky Imaging Primer, Charles Bracken, 3d Edition (2022). The rapid evolution of astrophotography software and hardware renders books obsolete almost as soon as they are published. Nonetheless, this book is widely regarded as a classic and can provide a valuable foundation and reference. Just be sure to look for the most recent edition.
“Barn Door” Tracking Mount for Astrophotography [by Dean Ketelsen]