Astrophotography Guide: Galaxies, Globulars, Glowing Dust … and Dragons!

Galaxy season continues—but change is in the air. In this astrophotography guide for May 2025, I’ll show you the best deep-sky targets of the month, from classic galaxies and globular clusters to wide-field southern gems and a colourful cosmic favourite: Rho Ophiuchi. Download this month’s deep-sky target list (CAP) and Moonlight Astrophotography Planner (MAP): https://www.cosmiccaptures.com/may202... Subscribe to the Cosmic Captures newsletter: https://www.cosmiccaptures.com/newsle... This month’s sky has something for every kind of astrophotographer: Galaxies that still rise high, nebulae glowing in the southern arc of the Milky Way, fast meteors at dawn, and one of the best wide-field targets of the year. Whether you’re imaging with a DSLR, a smart telescope, or a dedicated rig—there’s something here for you. Targets featured in this episode: • M13 – A classic globular cluster, bright and well-placed • M63 – A flocculent spiral with a hidden outer halo • M53 & NGC 5053 – A two-for-one field of globular clusters • Rho Ophiuchi – A colourful, sprawling structure of dust, stars, and nebulae • M83 – A southern spiral that reflects the structure of our own galaxy • NGC 6188 – A dramatic narrowband target with a name out of legend • Crux & the Coalsack – A dark nebula in silhouette, visible to the naked eye What are you planning to capture this month? Let me know in the comments — I’d love to hear what’s on your list.