Two nights ago I took a photo of the Sombrero galaxy from my backyard. The telescope used for this I found for only $500 (secondhand). Space is more accessible than you think! [OC]

Everything I used for this photo was only about $2k. I bought a non-functioning mount which ended up being refunded and I then repaired it (free) and found a good deal on someone getting rid of their camera plus filters ($1500) and the telescope ($500). If you’re patient and shop deals (with a bit of luck), you can do decent astrophotography on a budget.

You also don’t need particularly dark skies. This was shot from my backyard where a streetlight shines directly on my telescope. It’s frustrating, but it just means more care has to be taken with processing, and the more acquisition time the better. That said, this only took me 3 hours to shoot (one hour each R, G, and B filter). More time would be needed if I wanted the background space to look good, but this galaxy is bright enough that it’s not necessary.

If you’re interested in getting into this sort of thing, I just wrote up a telescope buying guide, [you can get it here](https://cosmicbackground.io/pages/newsletter). If you’re a backyard astrophotography/astronomy veteran I’d love feedback on guide completeness, or other tips, my goal is to make this hobby more accessible for everyone of all budgets.

That happens to me my favorite galaxy other than ours. Awesome shot.

So is that where they presume Mexicans come from?

Thank you OP. I always just presumed that getting pictures like this or even seeing them through a decent telescope again was out of my price range.
Im now busy looking around for a second hand telescope.

Thank you again.

Space is just so beautiful
Wonderful picture

The haze above/below – is that from our atmosphere?