Astrophotography guide: Deep sky targets to capture before April ends

We’re down to the last few days of April, but there are still unmissable deep sky subjects that await astrophotographers. So, if you’re planning to end the month photographing the night sky, you might want to find out which celestial subjects are up for you to capture. In the quick astrophotography guide by Tim Ciasto CosmicCaptures, he lines up the best deep sky subjects to photograph this month, including a hidden dusty nebula and a classic galaxy that makes for a perfect subject even for smaller setups. Here’s the list of all the celestial bodies that Tim recommends keeping an eye out for this month: He also provides more details about them as part of his April 2025 Cosmic Astrophotography Planner. Even if you missed any of these subjects, you can always take note of them for your next astrophotography sessions around this time of the year. Remember, it’s also Milky Way Huntin’ Season, so keep an eye out for our very own Bob Coates’ ongoing Milky Way photography guide! So, have you already photographed any of this month’s night sky subjects? Share your results with us in the comments below!

Apr 28, 2025 - 08:27

Astrophotography guide: Deep sky targets to capture before April ends

We’re down to the last few days of April, but there are still unmissable deep sky subjects that await astrophotographers. So, if you’re planning to end the month photographing the night sky, you might want to find out which celestial subjects are up for you to capture.

In the quick astrophotography guide by Tim Ciasto CosmicCaptures, he lines up the best deep sky subjects to photograph this month, including a hidden dusty nebula and a classic galaxy that makes for a perfect subject even for smaller setups.

Here’s the list of all the celestial bodies that Tim recommends keeping an eye out for this month:

Nightscape and Lyrid meteor shower opportunities for both hemispheres
M51 – An iconic spiral galaxy with stunning tidal arms
M101 – A record-breaking galaxy with hidden star-forming regions
M64 – A compact galaxy with a mysterious rotating core
M81 & M82 – A familiar galaxy pair surrounded by elusive IFN
Omega Centauri – The largest globular cluster in the sky
Centaurus A – A cosmic collision full of radio energy and dust
NGC 3576 – A vibrant emission nebula with endless creative potential

He also provides more details about them as part of his April 2025 Cosmic Astrophotography Planner.

Even if you missed any of these subjects, you can always take note of them for your next astrophotography sessions around this time of the year.

Remember, it’s also Milky Way Huntin’ Season, so keep an eye out for our very own Bob Coates’ ongoing Milky Way photography guide!

So, have you already photographed any of this month’s night sky subjects? Share your results with us in the comments below!