Long ago, I decided to create a list of objects that I thought were celestial showpieces for amateur astrophotographers. I have photographed the Messier catalogue many times but some of those objects are not that spectacular. The same can be said for some of the galaxies in that list. As a result, I created a list of objects that can be readily imaged from the continental United States. To qualify for the list, the object needed to be above declination -50 degrees and needed to be of significant angular size (10 minutes of arc). This means the object can be imaged from locations in the southern continental states with it being at least 10 degrees above the southern horizon and show details in short focal length instruments using a digital SLR. Some of the objects on the list are smaller than 10 minutes of arc but they were selected for their unique natue or that additional nebulae/galaxies were present in the field of view. With the arrival of inexpensive smart telescopes, this list can provide beginning astrophotographers with a good starting point.
My 100 best Astrophotography targets visible from the continental United States |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |