MartinB

Once again we are about to come into noctilucent cloud season.  For those of you who aren't familiar with these beautiful but elusive clouds you can learn more here https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Noctilucent_cloud

We ran this challenge last year and were treated to some superb images and animations

Entries can be still images or animations.

Start date 2nd May 2024

End date 31st July 2024

As previously the winner and runners up will receive an SGL challenge mug showing their image along with a virtual medal-of-honour for their SGL signature.

Please post entries directly into this thread

To keep the thread manageable for the judges please do not post comments about entries, emoji reactions are welcome of course.

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RULES

All data must be captured and processed by you (no collaborative entries). 
Data must be captured during the challenge start & end dates. 
Multiple entries are allowed but please make a fresh post within the thread.
Multiple submissions of the same image, processed differently, will not be accepted.

This challenge has now ended, the results will be announced within the next 2 weeks

Finally the results are in - https://stargazerslounge.com/topic/421566-sgl-2024-challenge-1-narrowband/

Once again, many apologies for the late announcement of the results for this challenge.  We still don't have a 2024 challenge board, when we do I will move this result there.

As expected, we had some stunning images submitted including some objects previously unknown to me.  The votes had a wide spread so it was all very close.  Apologies to those who missed out, on another day it might have been a completely different result.

1 Steve Foulkes - IC 410 The Tadpole Nebula

A frequently imaged target, this version is beautifully processed, the detail has been pulled out without it ever looking "pushed".  The pastel tones work perfectly

2 Kinch - HDW3

We had two versions of this target.  It is new to me but is a very faint beast which Kinch has pulled out beautifully.

3 Goran SN remnant

I could happily immerse myself in this  stunning image for hours, the presentation the dusty details is sublime.

I am so sorry we couldn't have more winners.  It is well worth having a look at the challenge thread.

Many apologies for the delay announcing the results.  We need a new 2024 sub forum which admin will be sorting ASAP.

12 minutes ago, Elp said:

Surprised there's not more as it's stated in the entry requirements, maybe the weather? What isn't so clear is whether duplicate optics+camera is permissible.

A very good point!  Genuinely duplicate equipment is within the spirit of this challenge and acceptable.

It is important that the thread is kept for image submissions.  I will leave this discussion open for another day and then hide the posts.

Mosaics?

4 hours ago, ollypenrice said:

That should sort it. It really is a stunning chip. I'm using it in two OSC iterations, a ZWO and a generic Telescope Service variant. I think it tends to be more sensitive in the blue but it's clean, fast and vice-free.

Olly

Yes, very pleased with the camera but also the NBZ filter.  Looking forward to using it on a non filtered broadband target.

1 hour ago, ollypenrice said:

Welcome back, Martin. I don't think it's at all blingy. On the contrary, it has a subtle and natural look.

Are you sure about the chip distance, though? Three corners show elongation. 

Olly

Thanks Olly.  I haven't got the flattener yet and it's a big chip!

I've got very comfortable in my obsy and have decided I to get out more, well that's what my daughters tell me anyway!  I've purchased a new set up with the idea of taking it with me when we go away in our camper van.  The AM5 is amazing and makes setting up outside much less of a chore.

The is my first concerted effort and not enough data really but pleased with how it has come out.

Scope: Stella Mira 90mm triplet 

Mount: AM5

Camera: AS! 2600mc

IDAS NBZ dual band pass filter

44x3min subs all controlled with ASIair

Processed in PS

It's a bit blingy and "in your face " but I like it -  I was in a cheerful mood when processing!

Pretty good for 33mins and first attempt!

Very interesting and revealing presentation.  Well done, quite a lot of work has gone into this.

This challenge has now closed.  The results will be announce in about 2 weeks time.

This is a re run of a challenge from last year which proved very popular.

Even experienced Lunar observers can still get goosebumps when they view the moon at high magnification.  It looks tantalisingly close, as if you could step onto the surface.  This challenge is to create this sensation in an image.  So we are looking for close up images of the lunar surface.  There are lots of distinctive features worth targeting and then there are curious  features created when the suns light hits the surface from a certain angle, the Lunar X being a classic.

If you have any queries about the challenge please contact me via PM rather than from within this thread.

Please provide information regarding how  you went about capturing your image including equipment used.

Start date 1st April 2024

End date 30th June 2024

No entries will be accepted after this date.

As previously the winner and runners up will receive an SGL challenge mug showing their image along with a virtual medal-of-honour for their SGL signature.

Please post entries directly into this thread

To keep the thread manageable for the judges please do not post comments about entries, emoji reactions are welcome of course.

--

RULES

All data must be captured and processed by you (no collaborative entries). 
Data must be captured during the challenge start & end dates. 
Multiple entries are allowed but please make a fresh post within the thread.
Multiple submissions of the same image, processed differently, will not be accepted.

You will need that filter to pick up the faint stuff

It's a nicely processed clean image.  You will probably need a few hours more to reveal the faint outer nebulosity

The results are in - https://stargazerslounge.com/topic/420198-sgl-2023-challenge-12-50mm-nifty-fifty/

As expected Orion was a popular target for this challenge but we also had some wonderful wide field images from a variety of sky locations.  As always the judging was difficult with a spread of votes.

1) Pipnina - The California Nebula and surrounding area

As well as a nice capture of the Cal Neb the dusty detail is superb

2) Orion and his easterly neighbours - Gerr

What a magnificent expanse of sky.  You can get lost looking at all there is to see in this image.  

3) Ursa Minor - Red Chilli

Sometimes "less is more".  This delicately processed image leads you further and further in.  The star colour is beautiful and the dust areas subtly rendered.  Red Chill also submitted an annotated version of the image 

https://content.invisioncic.com/g327141/monthly_2023_12/Polaris_1.jpg.6a6d1b676dfd9c857783974234311d2a.jpg

Well done to everyone who submitted an image.  There are other excellent images on display in the challenge thread.

Start date: 1st March 2024

End date: 31st May 2024

Very simple.  We are looking for images showing the night sky with a landscape foreground.  The image must be taken with the same camera and lens/scope combination but stacking is permitted as are star trails.

If you have any questions please feel free to PM me, this is much preferred to discussions within the thread.

RULES

All data must be captured and processed by you (no collaborative entries). 
Data must be captured during the challenge start & end dates.  Entries after the end date will not be included in the judging
Multiple entries are allowed.
Multiple submissions of the same image, processed differently, will not be accepted.

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To enter please post within this topic, do not start a new topic. Please post as much information as possible - when it was taken, how it was captured and processed, etc. The info won't necessarily be used for judging but will help fellow SGLers looking to learn and improve their knowledge and technique.

The thread is for image submissions only, please do not respond to entries other than by using emojies.  

This challenge is now closed.  The results will be announced in about 2 weeks time

Enjoy your coffee Geoff!

The results are in - https://stargazerslounge.com/topic/418864-sgl-2023-challenge-10-planets-and-special-events/

A small number of entries for this challenge but the quality was outstanding.  As always, some tricky calls for the judges.

1) Venus

What a wonderful daytime image!  Kon used IR and UV filters mapping IR to red, UV to blue and created a synthetic green.  Beautiful! Taken with a hand controlled 8" dob!!!

2) Geoff Lewis - Jupiter with IO transit

Io transit with the GRS just coming into view.  Sensitively processed.  A great image!

3) Nigella Bryant - Uranus

Uranus has been well placed during this challenge but it is a long way away!  A fabulous long focal length image.

Well done to everyone who took part

Nasa's "Astronomy Picture of the Day" on 23/01/2024  was a remarkable image covering a huge area of sky and revealing a multitude of deep sky objects https://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap240123.html

Of course, very few of us have Arizona type night skies but lets see what you can come up with.  This challenge is to capture the night sky and the deep sky objects hiding there.  It can be a single wide field image or a multipanel mosaic.  The only rule is that the same camera and scope/lens should be used throughout.  You can use different filters if you wish.  The judges will be looking at the depth of the image, the sheer number of objects visible and also the aesthetic quality of the image.  You could choose to annotate your image but if you do this please only use annotations which appear when you move you cursor over it.  Part of the fun is for people to see how many objects they can identify for themselves 

If you have any questions about the challenge please message me, please do not start a discussion within the thread

Start date 2nd February 2024

End date 30 April 2024

No entries will be accepted after this date.

As previously the winner and runners up will receive an SGL challenge mug showing their image along with a virtual medal-of-honour for their SGL signature.

Please post entries directly into this thread

To keep the thread manageable for the judges please do not post comments about entries, emoji reactions are welcome of course.

--

RULES

All data must be captured and processed by you (no collaborative entries). 
Data must be captured during the challenge start & end dates. 
Multiple entries are allowed but please make a fresh post within the thread.
Multiple submissions of the same image, processed differently, will not be accepted.

This challenge has now closed.  The results will be announce in about 2 weeks time