Best Astrophotography Books of 2026

The book "Apollo Remastered: The Ultimate Photographic Record" is a stunning collection of hundreds of newly-restored and all-new images from the NASA archives that offer a never-before-seen perspective on the Apollo missions. The author, Andy Saunders, has applied cutting-edge enhancement techniques to create the highest quality Apollo photographs ever produced. The book is a mesmerizing and high-definition journey into the unknown, showcasing crystal-clear portraits of astronauts in their spacecraft and offering new insight into one of our greatest endeavors. This book is a must-have for anyone interested in the Apollo missions or astronautics and space flight.

The second edition of Hubble's Universe: Greatest Discoveries and Latest Images is a lavishly illustrated book that explores the Hubble Space Telescope and its observations from its launch in 1990 through early 2017. With over 300 photographs, most in color, including a spectacular fold-out panorama of a part of the Andromeda Galaxy, the book is a treasure map to the majesty of our universe. The clear, succinct and illuminating narrative brings to life the fascinating forces at work in the universe. Overall, this book is a must-have for anyone interested in astrophotography and the wonders of the universe.

The Deep-sky Imaging Primer, Third Edition is a comprehensive guide for astrophotography enthusiasts. The book covers everything from the fundamentals of electronic cameras, optics, and mounts to the latest technology and software for capturing and processing stunning images of deep-sky objects. The author provides start-to-finish examples of image processing, with a focus on PixInsight. What sets this book apart is its coverage of Affinity Photo and AstroPixelProcessor, as well as Adobe Photoshop. With 372 illustrations in full color, this book is a must-have for anyone interested in digital astrophotography.

The Space Shuttle: A Mission-by-Mission Celebration of NASA's Extraordinary Spaceflight Program is a stunning book that tells the story of NASA's Space Shuttle program and its 140 space flights. The book is uniquely designed and features incredible photos taken by NASA photojournalists, fine art photographers, and the astronauts themselves. Each image is accompanied by a short text that includes quick facts about the mission. This book is a must-have for any backyard astronomer or space enthusiast. It is a beautiful visual journey that captures the world's attention with its first mission in April 1981 and continued to do so until its final mission in July 2011.

The Art of the Cosmos showcases over 100 stunning photographs of the cosmos captured by deep space missions since the 1960s. These images, selected by Dr. Jim Bell, represent the finest examples of the art of deep space exploration, highlighting the splendor of our universe. The book is a gallery of human accomplishment that celebrates the scientists and engineers who push civilization beyond the physical limits of our planet. It is a reminder that art and science are intertwined. Dr. Bell's expertise in the field of space exploration makes this book unique and a valuable addition to any astrophotography collection.

The Planets: Photographs from the Archives of NASA is a remarkable book that offers a breathtaking visual tour of the planets in our solar system. With over 200 awe-inspiring photographs from NASA's archives, this book is a must-have for anyone interested in science, astronomy, and the mysteries of the universe. The extended captions provide detailed information about the science behind some of the most extraordinary phenomena in our cosmic neighborhood. Overall, this heavy and handsome book is a humbling and uplifting journey through the wonders of the solar system and a unique addition to any astrophotography book collection.

The NASA Archives. 60 Years in Space is a fascinating pictorial history of the U.S. space program, researched with the collaboration of NASA, containing more than 400 historic photographs and rare concept renderings. The book documents NASA's evolution throughout its 60-year history, from its earliest days to its current development of new space systems for the future. The collection also includes texts by science and technology journalist Piers Bizony, former NASA chief historian Roger Launius, and best-selling Apollo historian Andrew Chaikin, providing readers with insights into the key human and robotic missions. Overall, The NASA Archives is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of space exploration and the incredible achievements of NASA.

Earth and Space: Photographs from the Archives of NASA is an extraordinary collection of more than 100 images from NASA's archives, featuring spectacular views of Earth from above, our solar system, and deep space. The book is a perfect blend of a photography and astronomy book, and its stunning page layouts and explanatory text contextualize each photograph's place in the cosmic ballet of planets, stars, dust, and matter. The book is ideal for casual browsers and science learners alike, and it holds appeal for kids, teens, adults, and seniors with its mesmerizing visual catalog and fascinating facts. Overall, it is an unparalleled journey through the cosmos that will captivate readers and photography lovers with an interest in science, astronomy, and the great beyond.

The Astrophotography Manual, Second Edition is a comprehensive guide for photographers who want to capture stunning images of nebulas, galaxies, and clusters. With over 170 pages of new content, this book covers a wide range of hardware, software, and alternative astrophotography pursuits. It also includes practical methods for image capture, calibration, and processing, making the science of astrophotography accessible to readers. The book's hands-on approach and technical background make it an essential guide for photographers ready to move beyond standard SLR cameras and editing software. Overall, The Astrophotography Manual is a valuable resource for anyone interested in deep sky imaging.

Expanding Universe is a visually stunning book that showcases 30 new images from the Hubble Space Telescope, capturing the beauty and mysteries of our universe. The photographs are of ultra-high resolution and have answered some of the most intriguing questions about time and space, while also revealing new mysteries. The book includes an essay from photography critic Owen Edwards and insights from veteran Hubble astronauts, Charles F. Bolden, Jr. and John Mace Grunsfeld. Overall, Expanding Universe is a must-read for anyone interested in astrophotography and the wonders of the universe.