For equipment and capture systems → Astrophotography Gear & Imaging

For processing and software workflows → Astrophotography Software & Processing

Citizen Science Projects

Want to contribute to real research? These projects let you classify data, find objects, and help science move forward—no PhD required.

Galaxy Zoo – Help astronomers classify galaxy shapes in millions of telescope images to study how galaxies form and evolve. 

Planet Hunters TESS – Scan light-curve plots from NASA’s TESS mission to spot the tiny dips that reveal new exoplanets. 

NASA Exoplanet Watch – Use your own small telescope or download public data to refine exoplanet transit timings and add to NASA’s archive. 

Aurorasaurus – Report and verify real-time aurora sightings to improve space-weather models and receive alerts when the lights might appear. 

Globe at Night – Measure sky brightness by comparing star charts and submit readings that map global light-pollution trends over time. 

AAVSO – Variable Star Observing – Join a century-old network of observers who track brightness changes in variable stars for professional research. 

Backyard Worlds: Planet 9 – Blink WISE infrared images to discover overlooked brown dwarfs and perhaps a new outer-solar-system planet. 

Disk Detective – Identify dusty debris and protoplanetary disks around nearby stars, helping astronomers find newborn planetary systems. 

Radio JOVE – Build a simple radio telescope to monitor Jupiter and solar bursts, contribute data, and learn hands-on radio astronomy. 

SETI@home – Donate idle computer time to analyze radio-telescope data in the search for possible extraterrestrial signals (now in hibernation but still a landmark citizen-science model). 

Discord

Astrobiscuit Discord Community – Astrobiscuit’s official community is a busy astrophotography Discord where thousands of members share images, ask questions, help beginners, and stream live telescope views; it offers more than 30 channels, voice chat, progression roles, and dedicated spaces for gear, 3D printing, and APOD sharing.

Astro Server Project community page – This Discord‑based community shares astrophotography knowledge and data; members post images and setups, process shared data via the ASP DataShare cloud, and take part in monthly imaging challenges, events, and an APOD channel.

Astrophotography & Co. – server listing – A public Discord server described as focused on astronomy, astrophotography, and nerdy space talk; the listing notes that it has over 7,000 members and serves as a general meeting place for space‑imaging enthusiasts.

Astronomy Club – server listing – This scientific space server centres on astrophotography and observational astronomy; members chat about space topics, get help with astrophotography gear, discuss astrophysics, and share their own images.

Spacecord – server listing – Spacecord bills itself as a “universal” Discord for astronomy, astrophysics, cosmology, space travel, and astrophotography, offering rocket‑launch livestreams, trivia nights, and discussions for experts and novices alike.

Polaris Astronomy – server listing – A welcoming Discord community for all levels of astronomers; members can share lunar and deep‑sky images, connect with fellow enthusiasts, and join photo contests in a friendly environment.

AstroVerse – server listing – AstroVerse is a Discord server where members receive updates on astronomical events and rocket launches, connect with other space lovers, and exchange tips and tricks for exploring the cosmos.

Forums

Cloudy Nights – In my opinion, this is the best Astro-based forum out there today.

Stargazers Lounge – Large international forum with active imaging, equipment, and processing sections.

Reddit

r/AskAstrophotography (Reddit) – Helpful Q&A community for astrophotography troubleshooting, gear advice, capture strategy, and processing workflows for all experience levels.

r/astrophotography – A Reddit community where amateur imagers share their own astrophotography. Posts must embed the image itself (no external links except AstroBin), only original images are allowed, and posters are encouraged to include acquisition details and respect the topic; the forum emphasises constructive criticism and keeping discussions focused on astrophotography.

Societies, Associations & Nonprofits

List of U.S. Astronomical Societies – Wikipedia – Handy directory of regional clubs and national bodies.

Amateur Astronomers Association (NYC) – Active public-outreach club offering lectures, observing, and classes.

American Astronomical Society (AAS) – Professional organization for U.S. astronomers; publishes major journals.

American Association of Variable Star Observers (AAVSO) – International network of variable-star observers; free databases and tools.

Astronomical League – Federation of U.S. clubs offering observing programs and awards.

Astronomical League – Club Finder – State-by-state directory of local astronomy clubs.

The Herschel Society – UK group preserving the legacy of William, Caroline, and John Herschel.

International Astronomical Union (IAU) – Global professional body that governs celestial nomenclature.

The Planetary Society – Citizen-powered space-advocacy nonprofit founded by Carl Sagan.

Royal Astronomical Society (UK) – Learned society supporting astronomy and geophysics since 1820.

Rochester Academy of Science – Astronomy Section – Western NY club with dark-sky site, public outreach, and supernova page.

Stellar Vista Observatory – A non-profit based in Kanab, Utah. The mission of the Stellar Vista Observatory is to provide observational experiences for people to enjoy, appreciate, and comprehend what we can see in southern Utah’s starry night skies.

Webb Deep-Sky Society – UK-based society focused on deep-sky observing and publication of member research.

For equipment and capture systems → Astrophotography Gear& Imaging

For processing and software workflows → Astrophotography Software & Processing