Bad Astro Photos

03/29/2026

Here is the final “All Night Long” with all objects in the order viewed. 9 1/4 hours of observing 110 objects compressed into 8 minutes.

03/24/2026

I'm about 1/3 of the way through processing the images of the 110 Messier objects I captured last weekend. M30 in the dawn sky is the most difficult target. Here is a PixInsight astrometric annotated verification of my M30 image

03/22/2026

The 2026 Messier Marathon at Fort McKavett was a blast. I managed images of all 110 Messier objects starting with M77 right after sunset and ending with M30 just before sunrise. Thursday night was intensely busy and cold. Friday night had time for a few diversions and a much better shot of M30 from a slightly better location.

03/21/2026

Looks like M30 to me! #110!

03/21/2026

Fort McKavett Milky Way

03/20/2026

Taking a break from my Messier Photo Marathon while my remaining targets rise in the east. Terry Phillips pointed out that Omega Centauri was above the horizon in the south. Here is a quick snapshot

03/20/2026

Off to the Messier races just after sunset

03/19/2026

Ready for Fort McKavett Messier Marathon

02/22/2026

Jellyfish Nebula IC443 close up. 19 hours of with RedCat 250/51mm | L-Ultimate | ASI2600MC, in a palette, from Bortle 7, Austin, Tx.

Details and full size image: http://astronomy.robpettengill.org/blog260222.html

02/17/2026

What does a Jellyfish, Monkey Head, and the number 35 have in common? ... this beautiful location in Gemini! Just finished this project started before Christmas with a total of 19 hours of data from 4 nights. RedCat 250/51mm | L-Ultimate | ASI2600 MC from my garden in Austin, Texas

Full size image and details here: http://astronomy.robpettengill.org/blog260217.html

02/15/2026

Astrophotography as fine art

Unlock the potential of astrophotography as a form of fine art. In , Gary Lopez guides readers beyond technical mastery into the realm of artistic expression. This inspiring book offers practical insights for amateur astrophotographers aiming to transform their celestial images into gallery-wo...

12/02/2025

Thanksgiving Rosette in HOO. This was my image after Cassiopeia disappeared behind my neighbor's tree.

The Rosette Nebula is NGC 2237. � 10 hours of exposures on 2025-11-25>26 under Bortle 7 skies from Austin, Texas, rendered in a HOO palate. Hope to add some S2 data to this for a SHO palette image later.

Full size image and details at:

http://astronomy.robpettengill.org/blog251202.html