GALAXY Astrophotography

There are thousands of galaxies out there waiting to be imaged! We've captured many including ones in the Messier Catalog, which has a total of 40 galaxies.

We recommend spending about 4 hours total for each galaxy, and it must be taken in dark skies. It can be a challenge for an astrophotographer to capture galaxies because they are small.

Check out the articles below to discover more about each object. By clicking on the image, you will find more about how much time we spent on it, the gear we used, and other acquisition notes.

What Types of Galaxies are There?

There are four types of galaxies: Spiral, Barred Spiral, Elliptical, and Irregular. Each type has a different look that is unique and impressive for astrophotography images.

1) Spiral Galaxy

This is the most recognizable galaxy type. Its center is a sphere and it has long beautiful "arms" extending outward in a spiral.

There are 24 spiral galaxies in the Messier Catalog, some of which are the most famous objects in the night sky!

Andromeda Galaxy (M31)
Pinwheel Galaxy (M101)
Triangulum Galaxy (M33)

2) Barred Spiral Galaxy

Similar to spiral galaxies, except its core appears more like a bar. This type of galaxy is considered "temporary" because it eventually rounds up over time.

The picture above is a Barred Spiral Galaxy, Messier 95, where you can clearly see the shape of the core.

The Milky Way Galaxy is a barred spiral galaxy!

3) Elliptical Galaxy

Most are found in galaxy clusters such as the Virgo Supercluster. They are spherical, elongated in shape, and show no detail when photographed. It's a blob of light.

These types of galaxies lack the gas and dust that are needed for star formation activity and do not have any visible arms.

It is the least impressive-looking galaxy type.

4) Irregular Galaxy

Unlike the other types, irregular galaxies do not have a distinct shape or form. This makes them quite unique!

About one-fourth of all discovered galaxies are irregular types.

They are typically small and likely collapsed with larger galaxies in the past, explaining why they come in various forms.

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GALAXY Astrophotography Resources

Learn more about how to photograph a galaxy by reading one of our posts below. We explain what gear is optimal to use for galaxy photography, how much time to spend, and provide acquisition details for your reference.

Messier 85 - Impressive Galaxy in Coma Berenices Astrophotography

Messier 85 galaxy astrophotography using amateur equipment. Find tips and all the useful information you need to photograph M85 yourself!

Mar 315 min read

The Triangulum Galaxy Astrophotography | 1000+ Hours on M33

A great beginner target, the Triangulum Galaxy is a deep-sky object somewhat visible to the naked eye. Find astrophotography pointers here.

Nov 14, 20247 min read

Markarian's Chain Astrophotography - A Chain of Galaxies in Virgo

Markarian’s Chain is an interesting group of galaxies that appear to form a line or chain. Read tips for astrophotographers and see photos.

Oct 14, 20248 min read

Messier 61 - Galaxy With a Tidal Tail in Virgo Astrophotography

Astrophotography tips for Messier 61, a barred spiral galaxy in the constellation Virgo! It has a very faint Tidal Tail that is challenging.

Oct 9, 20246 min read

Messier 106 - Intermediate Spiral Galaxy in Canes Venatici

Messier 106 is an intermediate spiral galaxy in the constellation Canes Venatici. Get astrophotography tips and see our pictures of M106.

Jul 29, 20246 min read

Messier 63 - The Sunflower Galaxy in Canes Venatici

Messier 63 is a beautiful spiral galaxy located about 37 million light-years away from Earth. See our photo and acquisition details here.

May 18, 20245 min read

M88 and M91 - Spiral Galaxies in Coma Berenices Astrophotography

M88 and M91 astrophotography - 2 galaxies in Coma Berenices. See tips, images, and more to help you photograph these spiral galaxies.

Apr 5, 20247 min read

Messier 31 - The Andromeda Galaxy | Astrophotography and Tips

The Andromeda Galaxy (M31) is by far the easiest galaxy to image for beginner astrophotographers! Here are some tips to image Andromeda.

Mar 4, 202415 min read

Messier 74 - The Phantom Galaxy | Astrophotography Photos and Tips

Astrophotography tips and pictures of Messier 74 - The Phantom Galaxy. How to photograph this beautiful spiral galaxy and reveal the IFN.

Feb 14, 202410 min read

Messier 49 - Galaxy in Virgo Astrophotography Tips & Pictures

M49 is an elliptical galaxy located 55.9 million light-years away in the constellation Virgo. Being an elliptical galaxy, Messier 49 is...

Aug 18, 20234 min read

Messier 51 - The Whirlpool Galaxy | 531-Hour Astrophotography Collaboration

Amateur astrophotographers can photograph the Whirlpool Galaxy using any type of camera for astrophotography. See photos and get tips here.

Aug 8, 202310 min read

The Milky Way Galaxy - Wide-Field DSLR Astrophotography

A compilation of our favorite Milky Way images taken over the years, with information for each of them!

Jul 28, 202315 min read

Messier 101 - The Pinwheel Galaxy | Astrophotography & Pics

The Pinwheel Galaxy is a spiral galaxy that is seen face-on. See our photos that were featured in publications and astrophotography tips.

Jun 24, 20236 min read

The Leo Triplet | M65, M66, & NGC 3628 Astrophotography

The Leo Triplet is a small group of galaxies composed of M65, M66, and NGC 3628. Discover more about these deep-sky objects in this post.

Jun 5, 20237 min read

NGC 3718 - S-Shape Galaxy in Ursa Major | Astrophotography Tips & Pictures

NGC 3718 astrophotography, a small and S-shape galaxy in the constellation Ursa Major. Difficult but rewarding to capture and process!

Apr 18, 20238 min read

IC 342 - The Hidden Galaxy | Astrophotography Tips & Pictures

IC 342 or the "Hidden Galaxy" lies behind thick Milky Way dust. We imaged it in RGB-HA. Find details about our photograph by reading more.

Mar 29, 20239 min read

NGC 1365 Galaxy | Pictures, Facts, What You Should Know

Photograph NGC 1365 with a remote telescope! The Great Barred Spiral Galaxy is one of our favorite southern galaxies, full information here.

Oct 18, 20228 min read

M81 & M82 - Bode's Galaxy & The Cigar Galaxy

Messier 81 and 82 are two neighboring galaxies, called Bode's Galaxy and Cigar Galaxy, respectively. Find astrophotography tips for each.

Apr 5, 202212 min read

The Whale Galaxy and Hockey Stick Galaxy | How to Photograph Both Galaxies

The Whale Galaxy and Hockey Stick Galaxy can be found close to each other. Learn how to photograph both galaxies in a single frame.

Jun 14, 20214 min read

M99 & M100 - Astrophotography Tips for a Field of Galaxies

Messier 99 and 100 are deep-sky objects that are a bit tricky to photograph unless you know all about them. See our photos of M99 and M100.

Apr 28, 20214 min read

The Twin Quasar - A Rare Astrophotography Target Showing Gravitational Lensing

A rarely photographed astrophotography target by amateurs, the Twin Quasar is a sight to see. Find out how to capture it yourself.

Apr 12, 20214 min read

Messier 64 - The Black Eye Galaxy Astrophotography on a Full Moon

Messier 64, also known as the Black Eye Galaxy, is a swirling galaxy hidden by dark clouds. See astrophotography images and tips here.

Apr 7, 20213 min read

Messier 94 - The Cat's Eye Galaxy | Astrophotography from the city without filters

Messier 94, also called the Cat's Eye Galaxy, is a barred spiral galaxy located in Canes Venatici. Find out how we took an astrophoto of it.

Mar 19, 20214 min read

Messier 102 - The Spindle Galaxy | Tips for Astrophotographers

Messier 102 is also called the Spindle Galaxy because of its appearance. Read our post to find tips for astrophotography and the acquisition

Feb 19, 20213 min read

HCG 92 - Stephan's Quintet | A Group of Galaxies in Pegasus

Stephan's Quintet is a group of galaxies that can be photographed in one frame. Find astrophotography tips and see example photos.

Nov 21, 20204 min read

M59 & M60 - Two Elliptical Galaxies in Virgo

M59 and M60 are two Messier objects that are found right next to each other. It's a great springtime target for beginner astrophotographers.

Apr 20, 20205 min read

NGC 5128 - Centaurus A | Processing Photos From an Observatory in Chile

Centaurus A is the 5th brightest galaxy in the night sky! This was our first time processing a southern hemisphere object, how did we do?

Apr 13, 20206 min read

Messier 109 - Galaxy Astrophotography in Mono LRGB

Messier 109 is a galaxy located in Ursa Major. We shot this deep-sky object in monochrome with LRGB filters. See the photo here.

May 20, 20195 min read

M97 & M108 - The Owl Nebula and Surfboard Galaxy Astrophotography

M97 and M108 are two deep-sky objects that are close enough to be photographed together with an 8" astrograph. Find out how to capture it.

May 4, 20195 min read

M96 Group - Leo I Group | 8 Galaxies in the Leo Constellation

M96 is a small group of galaxies and belongs to the larger Virgo Supercluster. Find out the most prominent objects and how to photograph it.

Nov 25, 20174 min read

M104 - The Sombrero Galaxy | DSLR Astrophotography Tips

The Sombrero Galaxy is a unique galaxy that is seen edge-on. It is a great subject for astrophotographers looking for a good challenge.

Nov 24, 20174 min read