Astrophotography Pictures
It’s hard to believe at first, but it’s possible to take awe-inspiring space photos from your own backyard — no satellites or observatories required! In our Astrophotography gallery, you’ll find pictures of nebulae, galaxies, the moon, and solar eclipses, plus earthbound landscapes featuring the Milky Way. These space images are perfect for desktop backgrounds, or for adorning gifts to any lover of astronomy.
Orion And Running Man NebulaeA clear astrophotography image of the Orion Nebula and the Running Man Nebula. The Orion Constellation is one of the most identifiable in the sky thanks to the famous and brightly lit belt stars.
Also known as Messier 42 (M42) or NGC1976, the Orion Nebula is actually a stellar nursery. The mixture of gas and dust are in the process of condensing into stars.
Much of our knowledge on planetary, star, and solar system formation comes from observations of the Orion Nebula. The Running Man Nebula, or M43 and NGC1977, is a reflection nebula located within the Orion Constellation. A reflection nebula means this does not provide any visible light but reflects light from nearby stars.
Stock Image #20180122-105455
Also known as Messier 42 (M42) or NGC1976, the Orion Nebula is actually a stellar nursery. The mixture of gas and dust are in the process of condensing into stars.
Much of our knowledge on planetary, star, and solar system formation comes from observations of the Orion Nebula. The Running Man Nebula, or M43 and NGC1977, is a reflection nebula located within the Orion Constellation. A reflection nebula means this does not provide any visible light but reflects light from nearby stars.
Stock Image #20180122-105455
Phases Of Solar Eclipse At Totality With Diamond Rings And CoronSolar eclipse phases featuring diamond rings and corona during totality. The moments just before and after totality, where the moon fully obscures the sun, creates a "diamond ring" effect pictured here.
Baily's beads are the remaining slices of sunlight piercing through the lunar topography. Mountains, valleys, and craters on the lunar limb afford this unique astral view.
The diamond ring effect is where the last Baily's bead presents before totality, and the first Baily's bead is shown after totality. In the center of the image is totality. Here the corona of the sun is showcased as a swirling luminous aura emanating from our astral neighbor.
Notice how the moon is more visible during totality. This is from sunlight reflecting off the Earth casting photons onto the moon, creating an Earth glow on the moon. A spectacular celestial event to witness during our skywatching astrophotography session.
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Baily's beads are the remaining slices of sunlight piercing through the lunar topography. Mountains, valleys, and craters on the lunar limb afford this unique astral view.
The diamond ring effect is where the last Baily's bead presents before totality, and the first Baily's bead is shown after totality. In the center of the image is totality. Here the corona of the sun is showcased as a swirling luminous aura emanating from our astral neighbor.
Notice how the moon is more visible during totality. This is from sunlight reflecting off the Earth casting photons onto the moon, creating an Earth glow on the moon. A spectacular celestial event to witness during our skywatching astrophotography session.
Stock Image #20170821-131117
Blood Moon During Full Lunar EclipseLunar eclipse with phases of the blood moon. These moon images show the phases of a lunar eclipse. When the Earth passes between the sun and the moon, a lunar eclipse occurs, granting us a chance for amazing astrophotography. The umbra, or shadow, of the Earth appears red and the blood moon is born.
This photo displays the moon as the Earth's umbra passes over our moon during a total lunar eclipse. When four total lunar eclipses occur in sequence, astronomers call this a lunar tetrad. The last happened from 2014 to 2015, bearing this stark moon photo. Moon features and lunar topography are glowing red in this photo from one of our astrophotography workshops.
Stock Image #20150927-204920
This photo displays the moon as the Earth's umbra passes over our moon during a total lunar eclipse. When four total lunar eclipses occur in sequence, astronomers call this a lunar tetrad. The last happened from 2014 to 2015, bearing this stark moon photo. Moon features and lunar topography are glowing red in this photo from one of our astrophotography workshops.
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Bodes Galaxy Image M81Galaxy image from astrophotography session of Bode's galaxy. This spiral galaxy resides in the Ursa Major constellation. Known among astronomers as M81 or NGC 3031, this is a great example of a grand design spiral galaxy.
Fairly magnificent categorization describing a galaxy with a clearly well organized spiral structure plus prominent arms. Discovered in 1774 by Johann Elert Bode, this galaxy has a central black hole 20 times larger than our Milky Way and is approximately 12,000 light years away. Our astrophotography workshops allow both shutterbugs and professionals to capture spectacular galaxy images like this.
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Fairly magnificent categorization describing a galaxy with a clearly well organized spiral structure plus prominent arms. Discovered in 1774 by Johann Elert Bode, this galaxy has a central black hole 20 times larger than our Milky Way and is approximately 12,000 light years away. Our astrophotography workshops allow both shutterbugs and professionals to capture spectacular galaxy images like this.
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Image Of Milky Way Balanced With Colorado MountainsThis earthbound astral image of the Milky Way is offset by the mountains of Colorado. Centered and framed by stars is one arm of our spiral galaxy. A brilliantly colorful night photography shot from Silverthorne.
Stock Image #20170716-235442
Stock Image #20170716-235442
Orion Nebula AstrophotographyAstrophotography of the Orion nebula. Also called M42 or NGC 1976, the Orion nebula is one of the brightest seen from our planet being only about 1,350 light years away. Skywatchers and astral photographers alike love this celestial body as it is visible with the naked eye, forming the middle of the Hunter's sword.
Toward the top is the Dark Bay, formed by a cloud of non-ionized neutral gas. The ultraviolet light in the middle of the nebula is caused by doubly-ionized oxygen and a large amount of hydrogen with a sprinkling of star dust. Really! On our astrophotography expeditions and workshops, these celestial bodies are regularly captured in all their glory.
Stock Image #20160226-205200
Toward the top is the Dark Bay, formed by a cloud of non-ionized neutral gas. The ultraviolet light in the middle of the nebula is caused by doubly-ionized oxygen and a large amount of hydrogen with a sprinkling of star dust. Really! On our astrophotography expeditions and workshops, these celestial bodies are regularly captured in all their glory.
Stock Image #20160226-205200
Solar Eclipse With Earth Glow And CoronaThe 2017 solar eclipse was a rare astral photography opportunity. Totality pictured here from the August 21st event lasted approximately two minutes. Skywatching the world over was at a height when this astral image was captured.
Using specialized equipment, unique solar and lunar features are viewable. Surrounding the sun is the corona, appearing as a heavenly white aura beaming from our nearest star. That bit of light radiating was reflected off the Earth, casting a glow on the moon that lit up lunar topography softly seen in this celestial photo.
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Using specialized equipment, unique solar and lunar features are viewable. Surrounding the sun is the corona, appearing as a heavenly white aura beaming from our nearest star. That bit of light radiating was reflected off the Earth, casting a glow on the moon that lit up lunar topography softly seen in this celestial photo.
Stock Image #20170821-114424A
Total Solar Eclipse Time Lapse Of 3 HoursTime lapse sun images of the 2017 solar eclipse. Taken every 5 minutes for 3 hours, this composite photo showcases the entire celestial event in full. Showing partial eclipse, diamond rings, and totality with solar corona. Astral photography expeditions like this allow us to bring to life the dynamic cosmic dance between the sun, moon, and Earth. As the moon bites into the sun, the total solar eclipse event begins. The diamond ring effect and totality are seen in the center of the photo.
This skywatching opportunity brought an estimated 215 million Americans to turn their gaze to the heavens. 88% of our US population, or twice the viewership of the Super Bowl, observed this astronomical phenomenon.
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This skywatching opportunity brought an estimated 215 million Americans to turn their gaze to the heavens. 88% of our US population, or twice the viewership of the Super Bowl, observed this astronomical phenomenon.
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Rosette Nebula NGC 2244 AstrophotographyRosette nebula star images taken during astrophotography session. Famous for its floral appearance, this celestial body resides in the Perseus arm of the galaxy. Skywatching photo showcasing the red nebula and NGC 2244, the young cluster at the center.
Stock Image #20170129-200800
Stock Image #20170129-200800
Horsehead Nebula Of OrionThe Horsehead nebula of Orion is aptly named as it resembles a horse's head and neck when viewed from Earth, making this one of the most recognizable nebulae in the sky. Known as a dark nebula since the high concentrations of dust block out background light.
Also referred to as Barnard 33, after American astronomer Edward Emerson Barnard the person credited with first discovering this nebula. This cosmic feature is about 1,500 light years from Earth and rests just below Orion's belt in the night sky.
Astrophotography from skywatching session during photo workshop.
Stock Image #20180122-105455
Also referred to as Barnard 33, after American astronomer Edward Emerson Barnard the person credited with first discovering this nebula. This cosmic feature is about 1,500 light years from Earth and rests just below Orion's belt in the night sky.
Astrophotography from skywatching session during photo workshop.
Stock Image #20180122-105455
Solar Eclipse Time LapsePanorama astral photography image of 2017 solar eclipse. This composite photo shows the sequence of events leading to the diamond ring effect before and after totality.
During totality, the sun's corona is a plasma field that extends for millions of kilometers into space creating an aura-like cloud. This historic event is actually a regular occurrence. Every 1.5 years or so, on some part of the Earth a total solar eclipse occurs. Normally these events occur over water, challenging the most avid of skywatchers and astral photographers. While others occur in remote regions.
The 2017 solar eclipse made history as the path of totality was over North America. The 2024 solar eclipse will also pass over the North American continent and is set to be another global phenomenon for amazing astrophotography.
Stock Image #20170821-131117C
During totality, the sun's corona is a plasma field that extends for millions of kilometers into space creating an aura-like cloud. This historic event is actually a regular occurrence. Every 1.5 years or so, on some part of the Earth a total solar eclipse occurs. Normally these events occur over water, challenging the most avid of skywatchers and astral photographers. While others occur in remote regions.
The 2017 solar eclipse made history as the path of totality was over North America. The 2024 solar eclipse will also pass over the North American continent and is set to be another global phenomenon for amazing astrophotography.
Stock Image #20170821-131117C
Solar Eclipse 2017 Diamond RingDiamond ring seen during the solar eclipse 2017. Astrophotography of the total solar eclipse 2017 shows the diamond ring appearing just before totality. In this image the sun's corona and numerous solar prominences are also featured.
Stock Image #20170821-114551
Stock Image #20170821-114551
Horsehead Nebula In Black And WhiteThe Horsehead nebula of Orion is aptly named as it resembles a horse's head and neck when viewed from Earth, making this one of the most recognizable nebulae in the sky. Known as a dark nebula since the high concentrations of dust block out background light.
Also referred to as Barnard 33, after American astronomer Edward Emerson Barnard the person credited with first discovering this nebula. This cosmic feature is about 1,500 light years from Earth and rests just below Orion's belt in the night sky.
Astrophotography from skywatching session during photo workshop.
Stock Image #20180122-105455B
Also referred to as Barnard 33, after American astronomer Edward Emerson Barnard the person credited with first discovering this nebula. This cosmic feature is about 1,500 light years from Earth and rests just below Orion's belt in the night sky.
Astrophotography from skywatching session during photo workshop.
Stock Image #20180122-105455B
Solar Eclipse Composite With Totality And Diamond RingsSolar eclipse composite image showcasing phases of diamond rings to reaching totality. The red prominences also featured in this captivating solar eclipse photo are really ejections from the sun that appear as flames rushing forth from our nearest star. Extending outward from the corona, these gaseous explosions may be present for weeks to months looping out into space for hundreds of thousands of miles.
These prominences are mostly embraced within the corona by the magnetic fields generated from the sun's internal dynamo.
Baily's beads form the diamond ring effect as sunlight creeps through the lunar limb of mountains and valleys as the moon slowly obscures our sun. All of these unique solar and lunar phenomena are more readily seen and photographed during solar eclipses.
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These prominences are mostly embraced within the corona by the magnetic fields generated from the sun's internal dynamo.
Baily's beads form the diamond ring effect as sunlight creeps through the lunar limb of mountains and valleys as the moon slowly obscures our sun. All of these unique solar and lunar phenomena are more readily seen and photographed during solar eclipses.
Stock Image #20170821-114554
Lunar Eclipse CollageA lunar eclipse taken on December 10, 2011 combining images taken every 6 minutes in Colorado.
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Stock Image #20111210-033431
Lunar Eclipse Over The Colorado MountainsA lunar eclipse taken on December 10, 2011 combining images taken every 6 minutes in Colorado. Just outside of Denver Colorado.
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Stock Image #20111210-033431B
Pleiades 7 Sisters ImageStar images of the Pleiades cluster from skywatching expedition. Known as the Seven Sisters from Greek mythology, this astral image showcases the Earth's nearest star cluster. These hot blue stars are the brightest in what may be a star cluster of well over 1,000 celestial bodies.
Stock Image #20170226-201500
Stock Image #20170226-201500
Astral Photography Total Solar Eclipse With ProminencesAstral photography of solar eclipse 2017. Here is a partial image of the total solar eclipse showcasing red solar prominences and Baily's beads. The white aura around the sun seen is called the corona which is quite visible thanks to the obscuration of the central disk by our moon.
Stock Image #20170821-11454590
Stock Image #20170821-11454590
Total Solar Eclipse 2017 On FireAstral photography of phases from the solar eclipse 2017 with diamond rings and corona. Image shows the heavenly diamond rings just before and just after totality, which is centered in this sun and moon image. The brilliant corona is ablaze from the fire of the sun with a little creativity in post processing.
Stock Image #20170821-131117B
Stock Image #20170821-131117B
Andromeda GalaxyThe dark skies of Colorado helped when taking this photo of the Andromeda Galaxy, also known as M31.
Stock Image #20191217-19235349
Stock Image #20191217-19235349
Total Solar Eclipse 2017 With CoronaAstrophotography composite shot of totality from the solar eclipse 2017. For about two minutes our moon obscured our sun, allowing us to witness one of the greatest natural events in history. Thanks to this, we have here a full view of the solar corona that radiates like an aura from our nearest star.
Stock Image #20170821-114424B
Stock Image #20170821-114424B
Astrophotography With The Astrotrac And Nikon SLRAstrotrac with cosmic background for perfect astrophotography. This state of the art technology allows enhanced sun images, moon photos, and galactic views by calibrating the Earth's rotation for previous unseen skywatching. Used during our solar eclipse 2017 expedition.
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Stock Image #20170316-131641
Neowise CometThe Neowise Comet in its peak display in July of 2020.
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Stock Image #20200720-21590106
Astro was last modified: May 27th, 2022 by