David's Astronomy Pages (Image Gallery) Deep Sky Challenges (Astronomy Now List)

Arp Objects

Image Gallery

Home Page

Sky Tour Collections

Gallery of Deep Sky Objects that have appeared as Deep Sky Challenges in Astronomy Now Magazines from 2006 to 2015

Objects imaged with either my 8 " LX200 telescope and ST-7 Camera (2001-2008) 
or new 12 " LX200 telescope and ST-10XME Camera (2009-2014+)

Some targets were imaged as a direct response to seeing the respective Challenge and taken either in the during the Edition's Official Month or during the month beforehand when the magazine edition first appeared). Other targets are ones that I had either already imaged sometime before the publication date or ones that I have independently imaged at a later date.     More recently I have set myself the objective of going back to attempt to image the Deep Sky Challenges Targets that I haven't already imaged.

Whilst some of the challenges are set with the visual observer in mind and some are specifically described as 'Beginners Challenges'  other  targets are solely the preserve of CCD imagers.  Probably the most challenging object in the 'list' so far is the mag +20.4 quasar PC 1247+340 (redshift 4.897) that appears in Apr 2007 edition,  I've made two firm attempts to image this quasar so far but without success.

Abell 31 (Feb 2011 challenge) and Simeis 147 (Nov 2013/Feb 2009) are very difficult to see and image.

	2015 Deep Sky Challenges
	2014 Deep Sky Challenges
	2013 Deep Sky Challenges
	2012 Deep Sky Challenges
	2011 Deep Sky Challenges
	2010 Deep Sky Challenges
	2009 Deep Sky Challenges
	2008 Deep Sky Challenges
	2007 Deep Sky Challenges
	2006 Deep Sky Challenges
	Astronomy Now's Deep Sky Challenges (List)

Back to Top

2015 Deep Sky Challenges

May 2015 Challenge  :  NGC 6118 - Spiral Galaxy

NGC 6118 / Herschel II-402 (Serpens)

CCD Image (cropped) 5 x 90s exposure (average combine), 3x3 binning, C Filter 2015-05-02 00:48 h UT (#586064-73) 12" LX200R  (at f/10.4) + ST-10XME

NGC 6118 / Herschel II-402 - Wider View

CCD Image (50% size) Image details as above

Back to Top

Apr 2015 Challenge  :  NGC 4361 - Planetary Nebula

NGC 4361 (Corvus)

CCD Image (50% size) 5 x 60 sec exposure (average combine), 3x3 binning, C Filter 2015-04-09 22:27hUT (#583036-41) 12" LX200R  (at f/10.4) + ST-10XME

NGC 4361 - detail

CCD Image (100% size, cropped) Image details as above

Back to Top

Mar 2015 Challenge  :  Abell 21 - Planetary Nebula ("Medusa Nebula" / PK 144-15.1)

Abell 21 / PLN 205+14.1  (Gemini)

CCD Image 12 x 2 min exposure (average combine), 2x2 binning, C Filter 2006-11-18 02:22h UT (#153222-33) 8" LX200 Classic + ST-7E

Back to Top

Feb 2015 Challenge : NGC 2835 Spiral Galaxy

Back to Top

Jan 2015 Challenge : IC 342 Spiral Galaxy

Nearby extra challenge :  UGC 2826 distant galaxy

Back to Top

2014 Deep Sky Challenges

Dec 2014 Challenge : Palomar 1 and 2 - Globular Clusters

Palomar 1 (Cepheus)

Dec 79d 35m  (ie beyond my scopes North Limit)

Palomar 2 (Auriga)

CCD Image (cropped) 4 x 60 sec exposure (average combine), 3x3 binning, C Filter 2013-04-05 21:22hUT (#545069-72) 12" LX200R  (at f/9.7) + ST-10XME

Back to Top

Nov 2014 Challenge : M33 and its H II regions - Spiral Galaxy

Back to Top

Oct 2014 Challenge : NGC 246 - Planetary Nebula ("Skull Nebula")

NGC 246 / Caldwell 56 / Herschel V-25 (Cetus)

Annotated CCD Image (Linear scale, cropped) 10 x 60 sec exposure,  3x3 binning, C Filter 2009-09-20 01:46 h UT  (#389421-30) 12" LX200R  (at f/5.7) + ST-10XME

Back to Top

Sep 2014 Challenge : Hickson 93 - Galaxy Group

Hickson 93 / NGC 7549 & adjacent galaxies (Pegasus)  (NGC 7549 + NGC 7550 = Arp 99)

Annotated CCD Image (cropped) 2 x 60 sec exposure (average combine), 3x3 binning, C Filter  2009-12-04 20;14 h UT  (#402240-43) 12" LX200R  (at f/5.7) + ST-10XME [larger image, 75% size]

NGC 7549 - detail

CCD Image (200% size, cropped) Image details as above

Back to Top

Aug 2014 Challenge : NGC 6842 - Planetary Nebula

Back to Top

Jul 2014 Challenge : Seyfert's Sextext  - Galaxy Group (NGC 6027 et al)

NGC 6027 / Hickson 79 (Serpens Cauda) comprising NGC 6067 (catalog mag+14.5), NGC 6067A (+14.9),  NGC 6067B (+15.3), NGC 6067C (+16.0), NGC 6067D (+15.6).   Bright non-stellar object (+12.4) at position of NGC 6067E (+16.5)

CCD image,  2 x 300 sec exposures  (summed) 2003-08-03  0:15 to 00:25 h UT (#47138-39) 11.4 x 7.6 arc mins

Back to Top

Jun 2014 Challenge : IC 1296 - Spiral Galaxy

Back to Top

May 2014 Challenge : NGC 5634 - Globular Cluster

NGC 5634 (Virgo)

CCD Image (Log Scale, 35% size) 2 x 45s exposure (average combine), 2x2 binning, C Filter 2015-05-14 23:06 h UT (#589060-64) 12" LX200R  (at f/10.4) + ST-10XME

NGC 5634 - detail

CCD Image (Log Scale, cropped) 3 x 30s exposure (average combine), 3x3 binning, C Filter 2015-05-14 23:06 h UT (#589055-58) 12" LX200R  (at f/10.4) + ST-10XME [non-cropped image]

Back to Top

Apr 2014 Challenge : M68 - Globular Cluster

Back to Top

Mar 2014 Challenge : Abell 33 - Planetary Nebula

The Abell 33 image in Ast Now is entitled "The Ghost of Jupiter" , but this a typographical error being the name carried over from previous months Challenge object (NGC  3242)

Back to Top

Feb 2014 Challenge : NGC 3242 / Ghost of Jupiter  - Planetary Nebula

Back to Top

Jan 2014 Challenge : J320 - Planetary Nebula (Jonckheere 320)

Planetary Nebula, Orion,  05h 05.572m, Dec +10 42.38, Mag 12.9

Back to Top

2013 Deep Sky Challenges

Dec 2013 Challenge : SH2-301 - Diffused Nebula 

Canis Major, near Sirius

Back to Top

Nov 2013 Challenge : Simeis 147 - Supernovae Remnant

This was also the challenge object for Feb 2009.  Extremely difficult to image (at least with my equipment & skies)

Back to Top

Oct 2013 Challenge - NGC 288 (Globular Cluster)

NGC 288 / Herschel VI-20 (Sculptor) Declination -26 deg. Taken whilst at altitude of 6 deg

CCD Image (Linear scale, 75% size, cropped) 8 x 30 sec exposure,  3x3 binning, C Filter 2009-09-20 00:51 h UT  (#389377-81, 38900-02) 12" LX200R  (at f/5.7) + ST-10XME

Back to Top

Sep 2013 Challenge - Hickson 10 (NGC 536 et al) 

Back to Top

Aug 2013 Challenge - Abell 75 (NGC 7076) 

Abell 75 / NGC 7076 (Cepheus)

CCD Image (cropped) 4 x 60 sec exposure (average combine), 3x3 binning, C Filter 2013-10-11 19:41hUT (#547201-04) 12" LX200R  (at f/9.7) + ST-10XME

NGC 7076 - detail

Negative CCD Image (cropped) Image details as above

also IC 1454 (Abell 81)

Back to Top

Jul 2013 Challenge - QSO PG 1634+704 - Quasar 

Back to Top

Jun 2013 Challenge - AGC/Abell 2151 (Hercules galaxy cluster)

AGC 2151 (Hercules)

Part of Abell 2151 - Galaxy Cluster (Hercules) - April 2007 Some 17 other faint galaxies not annotated

Annotated CCD Image  3 x 180s exposure (average combine), 2x2 binning, C filter,   2007-04-05  00:55 h UT (#189214-17)

NGC 6041   (Serpens Caput) [ NGC 6039 catalog mag +13.9, NGC 6040 catalog mag +14.5 NGC 6041 catalog mag +13.4, NGC 6043 catalog mag +14.4 )

CCD Image 5 x 2 min exposure (average combine), 2x2 binning, C Filter  2006-05-04 00:19 h UT (#121158-62)

Ref : http://pw2.netcom.com/~ahighe/a2151temp.htm

Back to Top

May 2013 Challenge - NGC 2366 - Spiral Galaxy

NGC 2366 (Camelopardalis)

CCD Image (50% size) 7 x 120 sec exposure (average combine), 3x3 binning, C Filter 2013-10-12 19:04hUT (#548001-07) 12" LX200R  (at f/9.7) + ST-10XME

NGC 2366- detail  The smaller galaxy to the lower left is NGC 2363

CCD Image (cropped) Image details as above

Back to Top

Apr 2013 Challenge - The Siamese Twins (NGC 4567 & 4568)

The Siamese Twins (NGC 4567 & 4568)  (Virgo )

Annotated CCD Image  5 x 180s exposure, 2x2 binning, C Filter 2008-03-10 00:31h UT (#275093-97)

Back to Top

Mar 2013 Challenge - Copelands Septet (Hickson 57, NGC 3753 et al)

Copelands Septet - Hickson 57  (Leo)

CCD Image 5 x 2 min exposure (average combine), 2x2 binning, C Filter  2006-04-27 23:37 h UT (#118126-30)

Back to Top

Feb 2013 Challenge - NGC 2440 

Back to Top

Jan 2013 Challenge - The Cone Nebula (NGC 2264, Christmas Tree Nebula)

Cone Nebula  / NGC 2264 / Herschel H27-5=H5-8  (Monoceros)

CCD Image Mosaic (25% size) 45 sec exposure, 3x3 binning, C Filter  2009-12-11 03:02h UT  (#403363-77) 12" LX200R  (at f/5.7) + ST-10XME [Larger Image, 50% size]

NGC 2264 - detail showing Cone Nebula

CCD Image (75% size) 3 x 120 sec exposure (average combine), 3x3 binning, C Filter  2009-12-11 04:03 h UT  (#403391-93) 12" LX200R  (at f/5.7) + ST-10XME

Back to Top

2012 Deep Sky Challenges

Dec 2012 Challenge - NGC 2261 (Hubble's Variable Nebula)

NGC 2261  (Monoceros) GCVS R Mon  - INa Variable

CCD image,   5 x 60 sec exposure (average combine) 2007-12-08  00:02h UT (#240134-38) 8" LX200 classic + ST-7e

NGC 2261  - detail

CCD image (250% size)  Image details as above

Earlier Image of NGC 2261, 2003-01-24

CCD image,  5 x 60 sec exposure 2003-01-24  00:01  to 00:06h UT (#41267-71) 8" LX200 classic + ST-7e

Back to Top

Nov 2012 Challenge  :  M1 -  Supernova Remnant (Crab Nebula)

M1 (Crab Nebula)

CCD Image (Linear Scale, 50% size) 5 x 60 sec (average combine),  3x3 binning, C Filter 2009-09-20 03:45 h UT  (#389568-72) 12" LX200R  (at f/5.7) + ST-10XME

CCD Image (Linear Scale, cropped) Image details as above

CCD Colour Image Luminance (C av2 x 60s), Blue 250% (B av 4 x 60s),  Green (V av 2x60s), Red (R av2x60) 2004-09-19  00:47 hUT (# 72105-15) 8" LX200 classic + ST-7e

Back to Top

Oct 2012 Challenge  :  IC 1613

IC 1613 / Caldwell 51 (Cetus) Local Group Galaxy

CCD Image ( 50% size) 5 x 120 sec (average combine),  3x3 binning, C Filter 2009-12-11 21:36 h UT  (#404320-24) 12" LX200R  (at f/5.7) + ST-10XME

IC 1613 / Caldwell 51 - detail

CCD Image (100% size, cropped) Image details as above

Back to Top

Sep 2012 Challenge  :  Discovering Planetary Nebula (Du1, Kn 61, Ou4)

Back to Top

Aug 2012 Challenge  :  The Splinter Nebula (NGC 5907)

NGC 5907 (Draco)

CCD Image 4 x 180s exposure (average combine), 2x2 binning, C Filter  2008-03-07 23:32 hUT (#273116-19)

Back to Top

Jul 2012 Challenge  :  M24 (Star Cluster)

M24 (Sagittarus)

CCD Image (50% size reduction) 5 x 30s sec exposure (average combine), 3x3 binning, C Filter 2009-05-51 00:23 h UT (#371139-43) 12" LX200R  (at f/5.7) + ST-10XME [Larger Image 70% size reduction]

M24 - detail

CCD Image (cropped to central area) 7 x 10s sec exposure (average combine), 1x1 binning, C Filter 2009-05-51 00:26 h UT (#371144-50) 12" LX200R  (at f/5.7) + ST-10XME

Back to Top

Jun 2012 Challenge  :  The Cat's Eye Nebula (NGC 6543)

NGC 6543 / Caldwell 6 (Draco)

Annotated CCD Image (Cropped to central area) 3 x 30s sec exposure (average combine), 3x3 binning, C Filter 2009-04-08 21:31 h UT (#362010-12) 12" LX200R  (at f/5.7) + ST-10XME

NGC 6543  - detail

Enlarged CCD Image  (200% size enlargement, Cropped to central area, log scaling) 3 x 10s sec exposure (average combine), 2x2 binning, C Filter 2009-04-08 21:314 h UT (#362016-18)

Back to Top

May 2012 Challenge  :  Heroic planetaries (IC 4593, NGC 6058 & Abell 39) 

IC 4593  "White-Eyed Pea Nebula" (Hercules)

Annotated CCD Image 3 x 60s exposure (average combine), 2x2 binning, C filter,   2007-04-02  21:53h UT (#187266-68) 8" LX200 Classic + ST-7E

NGC 6058 (Hercules)

CCD Image (cropped) 3 x 20s sec exposure (average combine), 3x3 binning, C Filter 2012-10-10 21:32 h UT (#514026-28) 12" LX200R  (at f/9.7) + ST-10XME

NGC 6058 - detailed view

Enlarged CCD Image (250% size,  linear scale, cropped) Image details as above

Abell 39 / PLN 47+42.1 (Hercules)

CCD Image (slight smoothed, 50%, ) 8 x 90s sec exposure (average combine), 3x3 binning, C Filter 2012-10-15 21:18 h UT (#515213-20) 12" LX200R  (at f/9.7) + ST-10XME [ internet picture showing Abell 39 for reference, by Capella Observatory ]

Negative CCD Image (Gamma adjusted) Image details as above

Back to Top

Apr 2012 Challenge  :  Hanny's Voorwerp (near IC 2497)

IC 2497 (Leo Minor) Hanny's Voorwerp - a mag +18 patch of emission just south of IC 2497, discovered  only recently (2007) by Dutch Schoolteacher Hanny van Arkel as part of  the Galaxy Zoo project (Voorwerp - dutch for 'object') Hanny's Voorwerp is barely visible in this image.

CCD Image (120% size, cropped) 7 x 120 sec exposure (average combine), 3x3 binning, C Filter  2012-03-27 22:02 h UT  (#508029-35) 12" LX200R  (at f/9.7) + ST-10XME

Back to Top

Mar 2012 Challenge  :  Jones-Emberson 1 / PLN 164+31.1 - Planetary Nebula ("Headphones Nebula")

PLN 164+31.1  (Lynx) Also known as  Jones-Emberson 1 (JE-1) , PNG 164.8+31.1, PK 164+31.1

CCD Image 9  x 120s exposure (average combine), 3x3 binning, C Filter  2012-10-22 00:22 hUT (#517272-79) 12" LX200R  (at f/9.7) + ST-10XME

PLN 164+31.1  - detail

CCD Image (50% size, gamma enhanced) Image details as above

Back to Top

Feb 2012 Challenge  :  NGC 3184

NGC 3184 (Ursa Major)

CCD Image (75% scale, cropped) 4 x 90 sec exposure (average combine), 3x3 binning, C Filter  2012-03-05 22:56 h UT (#504248-52) 12" LX200R  (at f/9.7) + ST-10XME

Back to Top

Jan 2012 Challenge  :  The Flaming Star Nebula (IC 405)

IC 405 / Flaming Star Nebula (Auriga) Caldwell 31

False Colour CCD Image Mosaic (3x4), 39% size Square Root brightness scaling 180s exposure, 2x2 binning, C Filter 2006-12-15 23:18 hUT (#163211-22)

Back to Top

2011 Deep Sky Challenges

Dec 2011 Challenge  :  Abell 21 - Planetary Nebula ("Medusa Nebula" / PK 144-15.1)

Abell 21 / PLN 205+14.1  (Gemini)

CCD Image 12 x 2 min exposure (average combine), 2x2 binning, C Filter 2006-11-18 02:22h UT (#153222-33) 8" LX200 Classic + ST-7E

Back to Top

Nov 2011 Challenge  :  Abell 4 (PK 144-15.1) 

Abell 4 / PLN 144-15.1 (Perseus) Abell 4 is the faint planetary nebula at centre of image (catalog mag +16.7) Near it is an edge-on spiral galaxy PGC 2201333  (catalog mag +17.1) Bright star is SAO 38305/HD 17052 (catalog mag +8.69)

CCD Image (cropped) 6 x 60 sec exposure (average combine), 3x3 binning, C Filter  2011-11-01 21:51 h UT  (#482158-67) 12" LX200R  (at f/9.7) + ST-10XME

Back to Top

Oct 2011 Challenge  :  The Silver Coin Galaxy (NGC 253)

NGC 253 / Caldwell 65 / Herschel I-5 (Sculptor) Declination -25 deg. Taken whilst at altitude of 7 deg (airmass 7.6)   Also known at the Silver Coin Galaxy

Annotated CCD Image (Linear scale, 50% size) 17 x 60 sec exposure,  3x3 binning, C Filter 2009-09-20 21:45 h UT  (#389358-74) 12" LX200R  (at f/5.7) + ST-10XME

Back to Top

Sep 2011 Challenge  :  Seeing southerly stars 

Most southerly observed spiral galaxy M83 (Hydra) Declination -29° 52' (2000). Taken whilst at altitude of 3° (airmass 16)

CCD Image (Linear Scale, 50% size reduction)  120 sec exposure (single frame), 3x3 binning, C Filter  2009-05-11 22:13h UT  (#368036) 12" LX200R  (at f/5.7) + ST-10XME

Another low declination galaxy NGC 253 / Caldwell 65 / Herschel I-5 (Sculptor) Also known at the Silver Coin Galaxy Declination -25° 17'.  Taken whilst at altitude of 7° (airmass 7.6)

Annotated CCD Image (Linear scale, 50% size) 17 x 60 sec exposure,  3x3 binning, C Filter 2009-09-20 21:45 h UT  (#389358-74) 12" LX200R  (at f/5.7) + ST-10XME

Most southerly observed globular cluster M4 (Scorpius)  Declination -26° 31' (2000). Taken whilst at altitude of 5° (airmass 10)

CCD Image (cropped to central area & 60% size reduction) 4 x 20s sec exposure (average combine), 3x3 binning, C Filter 2009-05-26 23:21 h UT (#369078-82) 12" LX200R  (at f/5.7) + ST-10XME [ Wider View ] Image at 5 deg above southern horizon

Most southerly observed open cluster NGC 2362 / Caldwell 64 / Herschel H17-7 (Canis Major)  Declination -24° 57' (2000). Taken whilst at altitude of 7° 10' (airmass 8)

CCD Image (60% size) 5 sec exposure (single frame), 3x3 binning, C Filter  2009-03-12 20:49 h UT  (#357008) 12" LX200R  (at f/5.6) + ST-10XME

Back to Top

Aug 2011 Challenge  :   M22

M22 (Sagittarus) Globular Cluster

CCD Image (75% size reduction, cropped) 5 x 20s sec exposure (average combine), 3x3 binning, C Filter 2009-07-02 23:16 h UT (#374033-37) 12" LX200R  (at f/5.7) + ST-10XME

Back to Top

Jul 2011 Challenge  :   NGC 6934

NGC 6934 / Caldwell 47  (Delphinus) Globular Cluster

CCD Image  3 x 60 sec exposure (average), 2x2 binning, clear filter 2006-08-06  02:25 h UT (#132339-41)

Back to Top

Jun 2011 Challenge  :   

Back to Top

May 2011 Challenge  :  Hickson 68 

Hickson 68 / NGC 5334 et al (Canes Venatici) Galaxy Cluster

Annotated CCD Image (50% size) 5 x 120 sec exposure (average combine), 3x3 binning, C Filter  2011-04-29 22:59 h UT  (#472062-66) 12" LX200R  (at f/9.7) + ST-10XME [ larger image ]

Back to Top

Apr 2011 Challenge  :  M101 

M101 (Ursa Major)

CCD Image (75% size, cropped)  9 x 60 sec (average combine),  3x3 binning, C Filter 2009-08-24 22:00 h UT  (#386001-10) 12" LX200R  (at f/5.7) + ST-10XME [uncropped]

Back to Top

Mar 2011 Challenge  :  The Antennae (NGC 4038 & NGC 4039) 

NGC 4038/4039, ARP 244, Caldwell 60/61 (Corvus)

CCD Image (100% size, cropped) 9 x 60 sec exposure (average combine), 3x3 binning, C Filter  2011-04-05 23:33 h UT  (#466047-57) 12" LX200R  (at f/9.7) + ST-10XME

NGC 4038/4039 - detail

Negative CCD Image (100% size, cropped) Image details as above

Back to Top

Feb 2011 Challenge  :  Abell 31 

Attempted Image of Abell 31 / (PLN 219+31.1)  (Cancer) (planetary nebula is too diffuse to be seen in this image)

CCD Image (cropped) 35 x 90sec exposure (average combine),  3x3 binning, C Filter 2011-01-28 22:46 h UT  (#450304-08) 12" LX200R  (at f/9.7) + ST-10XME

Back to Top

Jan 2011 Challenge  :  NGC 1514  (Planetary Nebula, "Crystal Ball Nebula")

NGC 1514 (Taurus)

CCD Image 3 x 180s exposure (average combine), 2x2 binning, C Filter 2006-12-15 23:58 hUT (#163232-34)

Back to Top

2010 Deep Sky Challenges

Dec 2010 Challenge  :  Cleopatra's Eye (NGC 1535) 

NGC 1535 (Eridanus) Planetary Nebula known as Cleopatra's Eye

CCD Image (50% size) 3 x 30 sec, 1x1 binning, C Filter 2007-12-07 22:44hUT (#240062-64)

NGC 1535 - detail

CCD Image (250% size) 3 x 30 sec, 1x1 binning, C Filter 2007-12-07 22:45hUT (#240064)

Back to Top

Nov 2010 Challenge  :  Perseus Galaxy Cluster (Abell 426) 

Abell 426 Galaxy Group, NGC 1270 and NGC 1275 areas (Perseus) 28 galaxies in this CCD Image covering just part of Abell 426 NGC 1267 (catalog mag +13.1), NGC 1268 (catalog mag +13.8), NGC 1270 (catalog mag +13.3),  NGC 1271 (catalog mag +14.2), NGC 1272 (catalog mag +12.0),  PGC 12294 (catalog mag +15.5), PGC 12295 (catalog mag +15.1), PGC 12316 (catalog mag +15.7), PGC 12336 (catalog mag +16.6),  PGC 12358 (catalog mag +16.7), PGC 12386 (catalog mag +16.3), PGC 2180406 (catalog mag +17.1), PGC 2181565 (catalog mag +16.2)
CCD Image (left)  3 x 60s (average) , C Filter 2004-09-19  00:11h UT (#72082-84) Image	Right CCD Image (right) 2 x 60s (average) , C Filter 2004-09-19  00:16h UT (#72086-87) Image

NGC 1275 and surrounding galaxies (Perseus) Part of Perseus A Galaxy Cluster / Caldwell 24

CCD Image  (60% size) 5 x 90s exposure (median combine), 2x2 binning, C filter,   2010-02-20 19:07h UT (#414101-05) 12" LX200R  (at f/9.7) + ST-10XME

NGC 1275  & NGC 1268  - chain of galaxies

Composite CCD Image (50% size, cropped)    Left : 5 x 90s exposure,  2x2 binning, C filter,  2010-02-20 19:07h UT (#414101-05) Right : 5 x 90s exposure,  3x3 binning, C filter,  2010-02-20 19:20h UT (#414108-12) 12" LX200R  (at f/9.7) + ST-10XME [larger size, 75%]

Back to Top

Oct 2010 Challenge  :  Maffei 1 and 2 

Maffei 1 / UGCA 34 (Cassiopeia) Eliiptical Galaxy - near centre of image Maffei 1 (10 mly distance) is a galaxy lying in the plane of the Milky Way  and is largely obscured by dust.   Maffei 1 discovered in 1968 by italian astronomer Paolo Maffei, using infrared film Note : Stars in near centre form part of open cluster Czernik 11

CCD Image 5 min exposure (unguided), 2x2 binning, C Filter 2006-09-02  01:33 h UT (#136329)

CCD Image 5 min exposure (unguided), 2x2 binning, C Filter 2006-08-26  22:53 h UT (#135118)

Maffei 2 / UGCA 39 (Cassiopeia) Maffei 2 (10.0 mly distance) discovered in 1968 by italian astronomer Paolo Maffei, using infrared film Maffei 2 is a galaxy lying in the plane of the Milky Way and is largely obscured by dust.   Two sets of images of Maffei 2  were acquired (one set through Visual (V) and  one set through Infrared (I) filter). These showed that the galaxy was visible in infrared ,  whilst at the same time practically invisible in visual band.
Maffei 2 in V band (visual)		Maffei 2 in I band (infrared)
CCD Image 5 x 2 minutes (average combine), 2x2 binning, V Filter  2006-08-06 00:36 hUT (#132159-63)		CCD Image 5 x 2 minutes (average combine), 2x2 binning, I Filter  2006-08-06 00:25 hUT (#132154-58)

Back to Top

Sep 2010 Challenge  :  Jones 1 - Planetary Nebula (PK 104-29.1) 

Jones 1 (Pegasus) Astronomy.Now - Deep Sky Challenge, Sep 2010

CCD Image (60% size, cropped) 6  x 90s exposure (average combine), 3x3 binning, C Filter  2010-08-20 22:35 hUT (#424026-34) 12" LX200R  (at f/9.7) + ST-10XME

Jones 1 - detail

Negative CCD Image (60% size, cropped) Image details as above

Back to Top

Aug 2010 Challenge : Bubble Nebula (NGC 7635)

NGC 7635 / Caldwell 11 / Bubble Nebula (Cassiopeia)

False Colour CCD Image (75% size, square root scale) 6x60 sec, 3x3 binning, C Filter 2010-02-20  21:39hUT (#414252-58) 12" LX200R  (at f/9.7) + ST-10XME

NGC 7635 (Cassiopeia)

CCD Image (50% size, linear scale) 6x60 sec, 3x3 binning, C Filter 2010-02-20  21:39hUT (#414252-58) 12" LX200R  (at f/9.7) + ST-10XME [larger image]

NGC 7635 - detail

CCD Image (50% size, log scale) Image details as above

Back to Top

Jul 2010 Challenge : Soap Bubble Nebula - Planetary Nebula (PN G75.5+1.7)

Back to Top

Jun 2010 Challenge : NGC 6765 - Planetary Nebula

NGC 6765  (Lyra)

CCD Image (Linear Brightness Scale, cropped) 45s exposure (single frame), 3x3 binning, C Filter  2010-08-30 21:59hUT (#426069) 12" LX200R  (at f/9.7) + ST-10XME

NGC 6765 - detail

CCD Image (Linear Brightness Scale, SubFrame) 60s exposure (single frame), 2x2 binning, C Filter  2010-08-30 22:06hUT (#426075) 12" LX200R  (at f/9.7) + ST-10XME

Back to Top

May 2010 Challenge : M97 - Planetary Nebula (Owl Nebula)

M97 (Ursa Major)

CCD Image (cropped) 5 x 90 sec exposure (average frame), 3x3 binning, C Filter  2009-04-22 01:05 h UT  (#364272-75) 12" LX200R  (at f/5.8) + ST-10XME 8" LX200 classic + ST-7e

Back to Top

Apr 2010 Challenge : IC 972 (Abell 37) - Planetary Nebula

IC 972 / Abell 37 (Virgo) Planetary Nebula is faintly visible in image below

CCD Image (cropped) 4 x 30s exposure (average combine), 3x3 binning, C Filter 2015-05-15 00:13 h UT (#589122-25) 12" LX200R  (at f/10.4) + ST-10XME

Back to Top

Mar 2010 Challenge : Abell 1367 - Galaxy Cluster

Feb 2010 Challenge : NGC 2683 - Spiral Galaxy

NGC 2683 (Lynx)

CCD Image 3 x 2 min exposure (average combine), 2x2 binning, C Filter  2006-02-03 00:30h UT (#113045-47)

Back to Top

Jan 2010 Challenge : IC 342 - Spiral Galaxy (Caldwell 5)

IC 342 / Caldwell 5  (Camelopardalis)

CCD Image (60% size reduction, Linear Scale) 5 x 90s sec exposure (average combine), 3x3 binning, C Filter 2009-04-08 22:31 h UT (#362064-68) 12" LX200R  (at f/5.7) + ST-10XME

Back to Top

2009 Deep Sky Challenges

Dec 2009 Challenge : NGC 2346 - Planetary Nebula

NGC 2346 (Monoceros)

CCD Image 5 x 120s exposure (average combine), 2x2 binning, C Filter 2006-12-17 23:07 hUT (#165152-56)

NGC 2346 - detail

CCD Image (250% size) Slight smoothing, square root brightness scaling Image details as Above

Back to Top

Nov 2009 Challenge : NGC 1491 - Nebula

NGC 1491 (Perseus)

CCD Image  3 x 180s exposure (average combine), 3x3 binning, C Filter 2009-12-04 21:45 h UT  (#402289-91) 12" LX200R  (at f/5.7) + ST-10XME

NGC 1491 - detail

CCD Image (Linear Scale, 200% size, cropped) Image details as above

Back to Top

Oct 2009 Challenge : NGC 404 - Elliptical Galaxy (Mirach's Ghost)

NGC 404 / Herschel II-224 (Andromeda)  Spheroid Galaxy close to Mirach (mag +2) It lies around 10.3 million light years away, just outside the Local Group

CCD Image (Linear Scale, cropped) 7 x 20 sec (average combine),  3x3 binning, C Filter 2009-09-20 03:00 h UT  (#389493-99) 12" LX200R  (at f/5.7) + ST-10XME

NGC 404 - detail black strip is blooming spike from Mirach.

Negative CCD Image (200% size, cropped) Image details as above

Back to Top

Sep 2009 Challenge : IC 10 - Spiral Galaxy (Local Group) 

IC 10 (Cassiopeia)

CCD Image (50% size, Linear Scale)  5 x 90 sec (average combine),  3x3 binning, C Filter 2009-09-19 21:05 h UT  (#389076-80) 12" LX200R  (at f/5.7) + ST-10XME

IC 10 - detail

False Colour CCD Image (Cropped to Central Area, Square Root Scale)  Image details as above

Back to Top

Aug 2009 Challenge : Minkowski 1-92 (M1-92) - Nebula

Back to Top

Jul 2009 Challenge : NGC 6822 - Irregular Galaxy (Barnard's Galaxy) - Local Group

NGC 6822 / Caldwell 57 (Sagittarius)

CCD Image 50% size reduction) 6 x 120 sec exposure (average combine), 3x3 binning, C Filter  2009-07-30 23:53 h UT  (#379451-58) 12" LX200R  (at f/5.7) + ST-10XME [Larger View, 75%]

Back to Top

Jun 2009 Challenge : Abell 50 - Planetary Nebula (NGC 6742)

Abell 50 / NGC 6742 / PLN 78+18.1  (Draco)

CCD Image (cropped) 3 x 20 sec exposure (average combine), 3x3 binning, C Filter  2011-11-01 20:28 h UT  (#482084-88) 12" LX200R  (at f/9.7) + ST-10XME

NGC 6742 / Abell 50  - alternate view

CCD Image (100% size, cropped) 5 x 60 sec exposure (average combine), 3x3 binning, C Filter 2015-03-27 22:31hUT (#582207-15) 12" LX200R  (at f/10.4) + ST-10XME

Back to Top

May 2009 Challenge :  NGC 5997 ? 

Back to Top

Apr 2009 Challenges : M5, M53, Palomar 4, NGC 5907,  Hickson 61 & Abell 1656

M5 (Serpens Caput)

CCD Colour Image (LRGB) Luminance 3x20s (average), Blue 5x30s (average) with  x1.8 weighting Green 3x30s (average), Red 3x30s (average) 2005-06-10  00:46 h UT (#89034-47) 8" LX200 classic + ST-7e

M53 (Coma Berenices)

CCD Image, square root brightness scaling 2 x 60 sec exposure (average combine), 2x2 binning, C Filter  2006-12-02 06:23h UT (#156075,77) 8" LX200 classic + ST-7e

Palomar 4 (Ursa Major) Situated at almost 1/8 distance to the Andromeda Galaxy,  it is second most distant globular in Milky Way

CCD Image  3 x 2 min exposure (average combine), 2x2 binning, C Filter 2006-12-02 05:43h UT (#156043-45) 8" LX200 Classic + ST-7E

Pal 4 - detail

Annotated CCD Image (200% size) (image details as above)

NGC 5907 / Splinter Galaxy (Draco)

CCD Image 4 x 180s exposure (average combine), 2x2 binning, C Filter  2008-03-07 23:32 hUT (#273116-19)

Hickson 61 / NGC 4169 et al / The Box (Coma Berenices)

Annotated CCD Image,   3 x 1 min exposure (average), Clear filter 2004-03-21  23:30 to 23:34 h UT (#63127-29)

Abell 1656 (Coma Berenices) NGC 4889 and surrounding galaxies  Part of Abell 1656 Galaxy Cluster

CCD Image  (75% size) 3 x 120s exposure (median combine), 3x3 binning, C filter,   2010-03-10  00:04h UT (#416363-65) 12" LX200R  (at f/9.7) + ST-10XME

Back to Top

Mar 2009 Challenge : Hickson 56 - Galaxy Cluster

Hickson 56 / ARP 322 (Ursa Major)

CCD Image (Linear Scale, cropped) 5 x 90s exposure (average combine), 3x3 binning, C Filter  2010-08-30 21:06hUT (#426011-15) 12" LX200R  (at f/9.7) + ST-10XME

Hickson 56 - detail

Negative CCD Image (Linear Scale, cropped) Image details as above

NGC 3718 (Ursa Major) lying 7 arc min north of Hickson 56, NGC 3718 is not a member  of the galaxy cluster as ?implied by the Ast. Now Challenge

CCD Image 5 x 180s exposure (average combine), 2x2 binning, C Filter 2006-12-20 02:46h UT (#167414-18)

Back to Top

Feb 2009 Challenge : Simeis 147 - Supernovae Remnant

Back to Top

Jan 2009 Challenge :   No challenge given in Jan 2009 Edition

Back to Top

2008 Deep Sky Challenges 

Dec 2008 Challenge : Abell 12 - Planetary Nebula

Abell 12 / PLN 198- 6.1 (Orion) Adjacent bloomed bright star is 61-Mu Orionis

CCD Image ( cropped) 3 x 90s exposure, 2x2 binning, C Filter 2009-12-26 22:18h UT (#408287-89) 12" LX200R  (at f/5.7) + ST-10XME

Back to Top

Nov 2008 Challenge : NGC 1501,  NGC 6543, NGC 1514

NGC 1501 / Herschel IV-53 / PLN 144+ 6.1 (Camelopardalis) Planetary Nebula

CCD Image (Linear Brightness Scale, cropped) 6 x 30s exposure (average combine), 3x3 binning, C Filter  2010-09-11 01:03hUT (#427169-75) 12" LX200R  (at f/9.7) + ST-10XME

NGC 6543 / Caldwell 6 (Draco) Planetary Nebula ("Cats Eye Nebula")

Annotated CCD Image (Cropped to central area) 3 x 30s sec exposure (average combine), 3x3 binning, C Filter 2009-04-08 21:31 h UT (#362010-12) 12" LX200R  (at f/5.7) + ST-10XME

NGC 6543 - detail

CCD Image  (200% size enlargement, Cropped to central area, log scaling) 3 x 10s sec exposure (average combine), 2x2 binning, C Filter 2009-04-08 21:314 h UT (#362016-18) 12" LX200R  (at f/5.7) + ST-10XME

NGC 1514 (Taurus) Planetary Nebula (Crystal Ball Nebula)

CCD Image 3 x 180s exposure (average combine), 2x2 binning, C Filter 2006-12-15 23:58 hUT (#163232-34)

Back to Top

Oct 2008 Challenge : NGC 7293 - Planetary Nebula (Caldwell 63, Helix Nebula)

NGC 7293 / Caldwell 63 (Aquarius)

CCD Image (50% size) 12 x 90s sec exposure (average combine), 3x3 binning, C Filter 2009-10-07 21:36 h UT (#392266-78) 12" LX200R  (at f/5.7) + ST-10XME

Back to Top

Sep 2008 Challenge : Mayall II - Globular Cluster in M31

Mayall II  (Andromeda) Globular Cluster indicated by white cross hairs

Annotated CCD Image (cropped) 2 x 60s exposure (average combine), 3x3 binning, C Filter  2010-08-30 22:28hUT (#426108-09) 12" LX200R  (at f/9.7) + ST-10XME

Mayall II - detail

Annotated CCD Image (cropped) 4 x 10s exposure (average combine), 1x1 binning, C Filter  2010-09-11 01:09hUT (#427178-81) 12" LX200R  (at f/9.7) + ST-10XME

Other Globular Clusters in M31

Globular Clusters in M31 (Andromeda) 5 globular clusters visible in image marked by white markers

Annotated CCD Image  5 x 2 min exposure (average combine), 2x2 binning, C Filter 2006-12-18 19:45h UT (#243034-38)

Globular Clusters in M31 (Andromeda) - Field 1 023-078 (catalog mag +14.2), 019-072 (catalog mag +14.9), 012-064 (catalog mag +15.1), 010-062 (catalog mag +16.8), 008-060 (catalog mag + 16.9), 004-050 (catalog mag +16.9), 038-098 (catalog mag + 16.5), 032-093 (catalog mag +17.6), 016-066 (catalog mag +17.6)

CCD Image 5 x 2 min exposure, 2x2 binning (average combine), C Filter 2006-09-09 21:14 h UT (#146153-57)

Globular Clusters in M31 (Andromeda) - Field 2 311-033 (catalog mag +15.5), 315-038 (catalog mag +16.3), 318-042 (catalog mag +16.9), 319-044 (catalog mag +17.5), 325-000 (catalog mag + ???), 327-053 (catalog mag +16.6)

CCD Image 3 x 3 min exposure, 2x2 binning (average combine), C Filter 2006-09-09 21:26 h UT (#146160-62)

M31 Globular Clusters in area adjacent to AE And 356-206 (catalog mag +17.3), DAO060 (catalog mag +16.6) 168-000 (catalog mag +17.6)

Annotated CCD Image  3 x 3 min exposure (average combine), 2x2 binning, C Filter 2008-01-11 23:17 h UT (#252303-05)

Back to Top

Aug 2008 Challenge : Sharpless 2-71 - Planetary Nebula

Jul  2008 Challenge : IC 4677 (adjacent to NGC 6543 - Cat's Eye Nebula)

NGC 6543 & IC 4677/ Caldwell 6 (Draco)

Annotated CCD Image (Cropped to central area) 3 x 30s sec exposure (average combine), 3x3 binning, C Filter 2009-04-08 21:31 h UT (#362010-12) 12" LX200R  (at f/5.7) + ST-10XME

NGC 6543  - detail

CCD Image  (200% size enlargement, Cropped to central area, log scaling) 2009-04-08 21:314 h UT (#362016-18) 12" LX200R  (at f/5.7) + ST-10XME

Jun 2008 Challenge : IC 5146 - Cluster with nebulosity (Cocoon Nebula, Caldwell 19)

IC 5146 / Caldwell 19 (Cygnus)

CCD Image (50% size, cropped)  10 x 90 sec (average combine),  3x3 binning, C Filter 2009-12-11 20:55 h UT  (#404297-317) 12" LX200R  (at f/5.7) + ST-10XME

IC 5146 - detail

CCD Image (100% size, cropped) Image details as above

Back to Top

May 2008 Challenge : Abell 2065 - Galaxy Cluster (Corona Borealis Galaxy Cluster)

Abell 2065 (Corona Borealis) Central part of galaxy cluster showing 80+ galaxies

CCD Image  (50% size reduction)  3 x 120 sec exposure (average combine), 3x3 binning, C Filter  2009-05-11 23:39h UT  (#368122-24) 12" LX200R  (at f/5.7) + ST-10XME

Abell 2065  - Galaxy Cluster TheSky planetarium view of equivalent area to above image showing central part of Abell 2065

Screen capture from TheSky 6 (Software Bisque)

Back to Top

Apr 2008 Challenge : NGC 5053 ?? - Globular Cluster

NGC 5053 (Coma Berenices) (very faint globular cluster)

CCD Image 3 x 2 min exposure (average combine), 2x2 binning, C Filter  2006-02-03 03:31h UT (#113131-34)

Back to Top

Mar  2008 Challenge : Leo I - Galaxy

Feb  2008 Challenge : NGC 2359 - Nebula ("Thors Helmet")

NGC 2359 (Canes Major)  (Altitude 18 deg)

CCD Image (Linear Scale) 9 x 120s sec exposure (average combine), 2x2 binning, C Filter 2009-01-05 20:57 h UT (#339190-98)

Back to Top

Jan 2008 Challenge - NGC 2158 & M35 Open Clusters

Mosaic of M35 (right/centre) & NGC 2158 (lower right)  (Gemini)

Mosaic 5x6 CCD frames,  20 sec exposures taken on 2003-01-04  23:33 to 23:54h UT (#37250-321) Image : 50 x 39 arc mins 8" LX200 classic + ST-7e

NGC 2158

Colour CCD Image,   Red 2x60s (av), Green 2x60s, Blue 2x90s 2004-02-19, 22:53 to 23:04 h UT (#58216-23)

Back to Top

2007 Deep Sky Challenges

Dec  2007 Challenge : Kembles Cascade 

Nov 2007 Challenge : IC 1613 - Irregular Galaxy, local group

IC 1613 / Caldwell 51 (Cetus)

CCD Image ( 50% size) 5 x 120 sec (average combine),  3x3 binning, C Filter 2009-12-11 21:36 h UT  (#404320-24) 12" LX200R  (at f/5.7) + ST-10XME

IC 1613 / Caldwell 51 - detail

CCD Image (100% size, cropped) Image details as above

Back to Top

Oct 2007 Challenge : NGC 246 - Planetary Nebula (Caldwell 56)

NGC 246 / Caldwell 56 / Herschel V-25 (Cetus)

Annotated CCD Image (Linear scale, cropped) 10 x 60 sec exposure,  3x3 binning, C Filter 2009-09-20 01:46 h UT  (#389421-30) 12" LX200R  (at f/5.7) + ST-10XME

Back to Top

Sep  2007 Challenge : Pearse 1 - Planetary Nebula in M15

Pease 1 - Planetary Nebula in M15

Pease I (Pegasus) Pease I - a planetary nebula in the globular cluster M15 - is the  small 'red' object whose position is indicated by the white cross-hairs This false colour image uses Ha filter frame for red,  and V filter frame for blue and green. The Pl. Neb. is highlighted due to its high excess of light at Ha wavelengths,  and appears 'red' compared to normal stars which appear whitish.

False Colour CCD Image ( cropped) Blue & Green : 3 x 45s exposure (average combine), 2x2 binning, V Filter  Red : 6 x 60s exposure (average combine), 2x2 binning, Ha Filter  2010-09-11 00:53hUT (#427158-66) 12" LX200R  (at f/9.7) + ST-10XME [wider view]

M15 (Pegasus)

CCD Image,  10s exposure 2003-08-22 22:13h UT (#52005)  Image : 11.4 x 7.6 arc sec 8" LX200 classic + ST-7e

Back to Top

Aug  2007 Challenge : NGC 6791 - Open Cluster

NGC 6791 (Lyra)

CCD Image (Linear Scale, 75% size) 3 x 30s exposure (average combine), 3x3 binning, C Filter  2010-08-26 21:51hUT (#426057-60) 12" LX200R  (at f/9.7) + ST-10XME [larger image 75% size]

Back to Top

Jul 2007 Challenge : 

    M51 Spiral Arms - Spiral Galaxy (Whirlpool Galaxy)

M51 (Canes Venatici)

CCD Image, 15 x 1 min exposure (summed)  clear filter 2004-03-21 23:44 h UT  to  2004-03-22 00:04 h UT  (#63137-55) 8" LX200 classic + ST-7e

Campbell's Hydrogen Star - Planetary Nebula ? or Be Star

PLN 64+ 5.1/ Campbell's Hydrogen Star (Cygnus) PLN 64+ 5.1 is the bright object in the centre of the image

CCD Image (cropped) 3 x 20s exposure (average combine), 3x3 binning, C Filter  2010-08-30 23:39hUT (#426218-20) 12" LX200R  (at f/9.7) + ST-10XME

PLN 64+ 5.1/ Campbell's Hydrogen Star - spectra Spectra (bottom) shows that PLN 64+ 5.1 doesn't appear to be normal  planetary nebula (if it is one at all).  Instead the spectra looks like that of a Be star

CCD Image (cropped, rotated) 0s exposure (average combine), 3x3 binning, S Filter  2010-08-30 23:41hUT (#426222) 12" LX200R  (at f/9.7) + ST-10XME

Back to Top

Jun 2007 Challenge : NGC 6210 - Planetary Nebula ("Turtle Nebula")

NGC 6210 (Hercules)

Annotated CCD Image  20s, 2x2 binning, C Filter 2008-05-18 00:54hUT (#286100)

NGC 6210 - spectra

CCD Spectra (50% size) 3 x 60s, 1x1 binning, Star Analyser 100 2008-05-18 00:58hUT (#286101-03)

Back to Top

May 2007 Challenge : ??

Apr 2007 Challenge : Quasar PC 1247+340 - Attempted Observation

Star-field around Quasar PC 1247+340 (Canes Venatici) Quasar PC 1247+340 (redshift 4.897) discovered in 1991  was for a while the most distant object known.  At magnitude +20.4 the quasar is too dim to have been captured in  this 15x3 min exposure (extreme mag limit ~+18.9).

CCD Image  5 x 180s exposure (average combine), 2x2 binning, C filter,   2007-03-22  21:53h UT (#185109-13)

Star-field around Quasar PC 1247+340 - detail Magnitudes estimates of adjacent stars  are shown,  based on a Plate Solution on 10 UCAC2 stars. Catalog position of the Quasar is shown by the black circle.

Annotated Negative CCD Image (200% size) 5 x 180s exposure (sum combine), 2x2 binning, C filter,   Cropped 2007-03-22  21:53h UT (#185109-13)

Back to Top

Mar 2007 Challenge : NGC 2419 - Globular Cluster

NGC 2419 (Lynx)

CCD Image (50% size scaling) 7 x 10 sec exposure (average combine), 2x2 binning, C Filter  2009-04-21 23:50 h UT  (#364142-55) 12" LX200R  (at f/5.7) + ST-10XME

NGC 2419  - detail

CCD Image (cropped) Image details as above

Back to Top

Feb 2007 Challenge:  PLN 164+31.1 - Planetary Nebula, Jones-Emberson (SE-1)

PLN 164+31.1 (Lynx)

CCD Image 4 x 180s exposure (average combine), 2x2 binning, C Filter Lightly Smoothed (blur function)  2006-12-15 22:33 hUT (#163196-200) 8" LX200 Classic + ST-7E

Back to Top

Jan 2007 Challenge : IC 405 - Flaming Star Nebula

IC 405 / Flaming Star Nebula (Auriga) Caldwell 31

IC 405 - detail

False Colour CCD Image Mosaic (3x4) Square Root brightness scaling 180s exposure, 2x2 binning, C Filter 2006-12-15 23:18 hUT (#163211-22)

Back to Top

2006 Deep Sky Challenges

Dec 2006 Challenge : NGC 2264 - Open Cluster with Nebulosity 
(Christmas Tree Nebula / Cone Nebula)

NGC 2264 / Herschel H27-5=H5-8  (Monoceros)

CCD Image Mosaic (25% size) 45 sec exposure, 3x3 binning, C Filter  2009-12-11 03:02h UT  (#403363-77) 12" LX200R  (at f/5.7) + ST-10XME [Larger Image, 50% size]

NGC 2264 - detail showing Cone Nebula

CCD Image (75% size) 3 x 120 sec exposure (average combine), 3x3 binning, C Filter  2009-12-11 04:03 h UT  (#403391-93) 12" LX200R  (at f/5.7) + ST-10XME

Back to Top

Nov 2006 Challenge : M72, M74, M97

M72 (Aquarius)  Globular Cluster

CCD Image  3 x 60 sec exposure (average), clear filter 2005-08-14  22:21 h UT (#92105-07) 8" LX200 classic + ST-7e

M74 (Pisces)  Spiral Galaxy

CCD Image (Linear Scale, 50% size) 7 x 60 sec (average median combine),  3x3 binning, C Filter 2009-09-20 01:59 h UT  (#389434-40) 12" LX200R  (at f/5.7) + ST-10XME

M74 - detail

CCD Image (Square Root Scale, cropped) Image details as above

M97 (Ursa Major)   Planetary Nebula

CCD Image (cropped) 5 x 90 sec exposure (average frame), 3x3 binning, C Filter  2009-04-22 01:05 h UT  (#364272-75) 12" LX200R  (at f/5.8) + ST-10XME 8" LX200 classic + ST-7e

Back to Top

Oct 2006 Challenge : Palomar 1 - Globular Cluster

Sep 2006 Challenge : Dwingeloo 1 (PGC 100170) - Spiral Galaxy 

PGC 100170 / Dwingeloo 1 (Cassiopeia) Central core of the galaxy is just detectable at centre of image (two large spiral arms are too faint to be seen) Dwingeloo 1 was only recently discovered in 1994
CCD Image (cropped) 4 x 120s exposure (average combine), 3x3 binning, I Filter 2009-12-26 20:01h UT (#408152-55) 12" LX200R  (at f/5.7) + ST-10XME
Negative CCD Image (cropped) Image details as above
PGC 100170 - detail Central core of the galaxy is just visible in the centre of image.Bright star in bottom left is the double star Struve 321  (components Mag +9.1 & +10.1, separation 19 arc sec)
CCD Image (cropped) Image details as above
Comparison of images of PGC 100170,
Image through 12" LX200R Aberdeenshire, UK		Image from a big telescope at Isaac Newton Telescope Group,  La Palma, Spain
CCD Image Slightly smoothed, Alternate Black/White adjustment Image details as above 12" LX200R  (at f/5.7) + ST-10XME		Image by S. Hughes & S. Maddox  (IoA, Cambridge) et al.,  Astronomy Picture of the Day, 2000 January 9 image at apod.nasa.gov details at apod.nasa.gov  Isaac Newton Telescope

Back to Top

Aug 2006 Challenge : NGC 6888 - Nebula (Caldwell 27, "Crescent Nebula")

NGC 6888 / Caldwell 27 (Cygnus)

CCD Image (linear scale, 35% size) 3 x 60s exposure (average combine), 3x3 binning, C Filter 2010-08-20 22:07 hUT (#423073-75) 12" LX200R  (at f/9.7) + ST-10XME

Earlier (wider) image of NGC 6888

CCD Image 60s exposure, C Filter 2005-09-03  02:07 h UT (#93213-15) 8" LX200 Classic + ST-7E (Full Size)

Back to Top

Jul 2006 Challenge : Abell 43 (PLN 36+17.1) - Planetary Nebula

Abell 43 / PLN 36+17.1 (Ophiuchus)

CCD Image (Linear Brightness Scale, cropped) 3 x 90s exposure (average combine), 3x3 binning, C Filter  2010-09-10 23:33hUT (#427052-56) 12" LX200R  (at f/9.7) + ST-10XME

Abell 43 - detail

Negative CCD Image (cropped) Image details as above

Back to Top

Jun 2006 Challenge : Abell 2151  - Galaxy Cluster (NGC 6040 et al)  

NGC 6041   (Serpens Caput) [ NGC 6039 catalog mag +13.9, NGC 6040 catalog mag +14.5 NGC 6041 catalog mag +13.4, NGC 6043 catalog mag +14.4 )

CCD Image 5 x 2 min exposure (average combine), 2x2 binning, C Filter  2006-05-04 00:19 h UT (#121158-62)

Back to Top

May 2006 Challenge : NGC 7023 - Reflection Nebula (Caldwell 4, "Iris Nebula")

NGC 7023 / Caldwel 4  (Cepheus)

CCD Image (linear scale, 50% size) 13 x 20s exposure (average combine), 3x3 binning, C Filter 2010-08-07 22:26 hUT (#421045-58) 12" LX200R  (at f/9.7) + ST-10XME

NGC 7023 / Caldwel 4  - detail

CCD Image (log scale, 50% size) Image details as above

Back to Top

Apr 2006 Challenge : M100 - Spiral Galaxy

M100 (Coma Berenices)

CCD Image 5 x 2 min exposure (average combine), 2x2 binning, C Filter  2006-04-27 22:22h UT (#118081-86) 8" LX200 classic + ST-7e

Back to Top

Mar 2006 Challenge : Hickson 50 & Copeland's Septet

Hickson 50 (Ursa Major) Galaxy Group (PGC 34447 et al) reportedly the faintest, most challenging of the Hickson catalogue Distance ~ 2 billion light years

Annotated CCD Image  (50% size reduction)  6 x 90 sec exposure (average combine), 3x3 binning, C Filter  2009-05-11 23:55h UT  (#368132-38) 12" LX200R  (at f/5.7) + ST-10XME

Hickson 50 - detail

Annotated Negative CCD Image  (250% size enlargement, cropped)  Image details as above

Hickson 50 - detail / annotated H50A (PGC 34447, catalog mag +18.7, meas mag +16.1),  H50B (PGC 34452, catalog mag +18.2, meas mag +16.4), H50C (PGC 34444, catalog mag +18.7, meas mag +17.0), H50D (PGC34448, catalog mag +18.7, meas mag + 17.0), H50E (PGC 34453, catalog mag +?.?., meas mag +17.7)

Annotated Negative CCD Image  (250% size enlargement, cropped)  Image details as above

Copeland's Septet (Leo) Hickson 57 - Galaxy Group (NGC 3753 et al)

CCD Image 5 x 2 min exposure (average combine), 2x2 binning, C Filter  2006-04-27 23:37 h UT (#118126-30)

Back to Top

Feb 2006 Challenge : IC 443 - Nebula / Supernovae Remnant

IC 443  (Gemini)

CCD Image Mosaic (30% size) 60 sec exposure, 3x3 binning, C Filter  2009-12-11 04:34h UT  (#403423-40) 12" LX200R  (at f/5.7) + ST-10XME [Larger Image, 50% size]

IC 443 - detail

CCD Image (50% size) 5 x 120 sec exposure (average combine), 3x3 binning, C Filter  2009-12-11 04:03 h UT  (#403443-47) 12" LX200R  (at f/5.7) + ST-10XME [larger image 80% size]

Back to Top

Jan 2006 Challenge : Abell 21 / Medusa Nebula - Planetary Nebula  (PLN 205+14.1)

Abell 21 / Medusa Nebula (Gemini) PLN 205+14.1

CCD Image 12 x 2 min exposure (average combine), 2x2 binning, C Filter 2006-11-18 02:22h UT (#153222-33) 8" LX200 Classic + ST-7E

PLN 205+14.1

Approximate Colour CCD Image (CBVR) Luminance 12 x 2 min ( C filter),  Red 2 min (R filter), Green 2 min (V filter), Blue 3 min (B filter) 2006-11-18 02:22h UT (#153222-36) 8" LX200 Classic + ST-7E

Back to Top

Astronomy Now's Deep Sky Challenges (List)

Green rows show challenge objects that have been imaged (white rows have not yet been imaged)

Back to Top