David's Astronomy - Deep Sky Challenges (Ast. Now)

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Deep Sky Challenges (Astronomy Now, 2006-2024)

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Gallery of Deep Sky Objects that have appeared as Deep Sky Challenges
in the Astronomy Now magazine from 2006 to 2024

Objects have been imaged with either my original 8" LX200 telescope + ST-7 Camera (2001-2008)
or my current 12" LX200 telescope + ST-10XME Camera (2009-2024)

Deep Sky Challenges By Year

| 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 |

| 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 |

| 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | 2012 | 2011 |

| 2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 |

Deep Sky Challenges (List)

Some targets were imaged as a direct response to seeing the respective challenge and taken either in the during the magazine 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), Du 1 & Kn 61 (Sep 2012), Simeis 147 (Nov 2013/Feb 2009) and NGC 7094 (Sep 2017) are very difficult to see and image.

Deep Sky Challenges (List)

2024 Deep Sky Challenges

Oct 2024 Challenge : NGC 410 Galaxy Grouping (NGC 407, 410, 414)

NGC 410 Galaxy Grouping (Pisces)
NGC 410 Galaxy Grouping (NGC 407, 410, 414)
Ast.Now Deep Sky Challenge, Nov 2024

NGC 410 - Elliptical Galaxy with NGC 407 & NGC 414 - Spiral Galaxies
Other Galaxies in FOV are
PGC 4234 (catalog mag +15.5), NGC 408 (PGC 4221, catalog mag +16.6)
PGC 2026183 (catalog mag +17.7), PGC 2026906 (catalog mag +17.8)

Annotated CCD Image (70% size, square root scale)
3 x 180s exposure (average combine), 3x3 binning, Clear Filter
2024-10-22 00:27 UT (#1258013-17)
12" LX200R (at f/10.4) + ST-10XME
Auto-guided using TS 80mm APO, ZWO ASI178MC & PHD2

Negative CCD Image (70% size, square root scale)
Image details as above

NGC 407 - Spiral Galaxy

Annotated CCD Image (150% size, square root scale, cropped)
3 x 180s exposure (average combine), 3x3 binning, Clear Filter
2024-10-22 00:27 UT (#1258013-17)
12" LX200R (at f/10.4) + ST-10XME
Auto-guided using TS 80mm APO, ZWO ASI178MC & PHD2

NGC 410 - Elliptical Galaxy

NGC 414 - Spiral Galaxy

Oct 2024 Challenge : Hu 1-2 - Planetary Nebula

Hu 1-2 (Cygnus)
Alias: Humason 1-2, PN G086.5-08.8
Ast. Now, Deep Sky Challenge Object, Oct 2024
[ Planetary Nebula ]

Annotated CCD Image (50% size, square root scale, cropped)
4 x 90s exposure (average combine), 3x3 binning, Clear Filter
2024-09-30 23:31 UT (#1248120-24)
12" LX200R (at f/10.4) + ST-10XME
Auto-guided using TS 80mm APO, ZWO ASI178MC & PHD2

Hu 1-2 - Detail

Annotated CCD Image (175% size, log scale, cropped)
4 x 90s exposure (average combine), 3x3 binning, Clear Filter
2024-09-30 23:31 UT (#1248120-24)
12" LX200R (at f/10.4) + ST-10XME
Auto-guided using TS 80mm APO, ZWO ASI178MC & PHD2

Hu 1-2 - Spectra

Annotated CCD Image (100% size, square root scale)
2 x 90s exposure (average combine), 2x2 binning, S Filter
2024-09-30 23:38 UT (#1248125-26)
12" LX200R (at f/10.4) + ST-10XME
Auto-guided using TS 80mm APO, ZWO ASI178MC & PHD2

Sep 2024 Challenge : NGC 6778 - Planetary Nebula

NGC 6778 (Aquila)
Ast.Now Deep Sky Challenge Object, Sep 2024
[ Planetary Nebula ]

Annotated CCD Image (50% size, square root scale)
5 x 90s exposure (average combine), 3x3 binning, Clear Filter
2024-08-15 22:08 UT (#1228019-23)
12" LX200R (at f/10.4) + ST-10XME
Auto-guided using TS 80mm APO, ZWO ASI178MC & PHD2

NGC 6778 - Detail

Annotated CCD Image (150% size, square root scale, cropped)
Image details as above

Negative CCD Image (150% size, log scale, cropped)
Image details as above

CCD Image (100% size, log scale, cropped)
5 x 120s exposure (average combine), 2x2 binning, Clear Filter
2024-08-15 22:18 UT (#1228024-28)
12" LX200R (at f/10.4) + ST-10XME
Auto-guided using TS 80mm APO, ZWO ASI178MC & PHD2

Aug 2024 Challenge : NGC 6712 - Globular Cluster

NGC 6712 (Scutum)
[ Globular Star Clusters ]

CCD Image (50% size reduction)
4 x 30s sec exposure (average combine), 3x3 binning, C Filter
2009-08-10 23:01 h UT (#383100-03)
12" LX200R (at f/5.7) + ST-10XME

NGC 6712 - detail

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

IC 1295 (Scutum)
PLN/PK 25-4.1 in same FOV.
Near to NGC 6712 (Ast. Now Deep Sky Challenge, Aug 2024)
[ Deep Sky Challanges (Ast.Now) ]

Annotated Negative CCD Image (50% size, log scale)
5 x 90s exposure (average combine), 3x3 binning, Clear Filter
2024-08-04 00:04 UT (#1222046-50)
12" LX200R (at f/10.4) + ST-10XME
Auto-guided using TS 80mm APO, ZWO ASI178MC & PHD2

IC 1295 - Detail

CCD Image (125% size, square root scale, cropped)
5 x 90s exposure (average combine), 3x3 binning, Clear Filter
2024-08-04 00:04 UT (#1222046-50)
12" LX200R (at f/10.4) + ST-10XME
Auto-guided using TS 80mm APO, ZWO ASI178MC & PHD2

Negative CCD Image (125% size, log root scale, cropped)
Image details as above

IC 1295 - Planetary Nebula

IC 1295 (Scutum)
PLN/PK 25-4.1 in same FOV.
Near to NGC 6712 (Ast. Now Deep Sky Challenge, Aug 2024)
[ Deep Sky Challanges (Ast.Now) ]

IC 1295 - Detail

Negative CCD Image (125% size, square root scale, cropped)
Image details as above

Negative CCD Image (125% size, log root scale, cropped)
Image details as above

Jul 2024 Challenge : NGC 6804 - Planetary Nebula (PLN 45- 4.1)

NGC 6804 was previously the Deep Sky Challenge object in the Sep 2018 edition of Astronomy Now magazine.

NGC 6804 / PLN 45- 4.1 (Aquila)

CCD Image (50% size)
5 x 60 sec exposure (average combine), 3x3 binning, C Filter
2018-08-30 22:21 UT (#622063-67)
12" LX200R (at f/10.4) + ST-10XME
Auto-guided using TS 80mm APO, ZWO ASI178MC & PHD2
(Average Guide Error 1.7" rms, PHD2)

NGC 6804 / PLN 45- 4.1 - detail

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

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

NGC 6804 / PLN 45- 4.1 - Spectroscopy

'Double image' in spectroscopic image taken with Star Analyser 100SA is
typical of Planetary Nebula and helps confirm NGC 6804 as belonging to this family of objects
0 order image (faint) to left, 1 order image in middle

CCD Image (100% size, rotated, cropped)
5 x 90 sec exposure (average combine), 3x3 binning, S Filter
2018-08-30 22:29 UT (#622068-72)
12" LX200R (at f/10.4) + ST-10XME
Auto-guided using TS 80mm APO, ZWO ASI178MC & PHD2

Jun 2024 - ARP 91 (Interacting Spiral Galaxies, NGC 5953 and NGC 5954)

ARP 91 (Serpens) NGC 5953 and NGC 5954 [ ARP Galaxies ]		ARP 91 - Detail NGC 5953 and NGC 5954)

Annotated CCD Image (50% size, square root scale) 5 x 180s exposure (average combine), 3x3 binning, C Filter 2020-02-26 02:20 UT (#755182-86) 12" LX200R (at f/10.4) + ST-10XME Auto-guided using TS 80mm APO, ZWO ASI178MC & PHD2		Annotated CCD Image (100% size, square root scale, cropped) Image details as left


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

May 2024 - NGC 5466 (Globular Cluster, Herschel VI-9)

NGC 5466 / Herschel VI-9 (Bootes)
Deep Sky Challenge object, AstNow May 2024
[ Herschel 400 Objects ] [ Globular Star Clusters ]

Annotated CCD Image (70% size, linear scale)
6 x 45s exposure (average combine), 3x3 binning, Clear Filter
2024-05-15 23:24 UT (#1217036-45)
12" LX200R (at f/10.4) + ST-10XME
Auto-guided using TS 80mm APO, ZWO ASI178MC & PHD2

Apr 2024 - NGC 2708 - Spiral Galaxy

NGC 2708 (Hydra)

Annotated CCD Image (50% size, square root scale)
3 x 180s exposure (average combine), 3x3 binning, Clear Filter
2023-02-13 23:49 UT (#1098108-11)
12" LX200R (at f/10.4) + ST-10XME
Auto-guided using TS 80mm APO, ZWO ASI178MC & PHD2

NGC 2708 with SN 2023bee - 2023-02-14 (T+12.3d)
SN 2023bee, Measured magnitude +13.56

Annotated CCD Image (100% size, square root scale, cropped)
4 x 180s exposure (average combine), 3x3 binning, Clear Filter
2023-02-14 00:32 UT (#1098121-25)
12" LX200R (at f/10.4) + ST-10XME
Auto-guided using TS 80mm APO, ZWO ASI178MC & PHD2

SN 2023bee (Type: Ia) discovered 2023-02-01.750 UT by DLT40
Alias: DLT23b, ZTF23aabtgej, ATLAS23bqm
Discovery Mag 17.26 (Clear filter)
( TNS 2023bee )

Images of SN 2023bee (NGC 2708) on Supernova 2023 Page >>

March 2024 - NGC 3044 Spiral Galaxy

NGC 3044 (Sextans)
Alias: UGC 5311
Flat Galaxy Atlas Object
Ast. Now Deep-Sky Challenge Object, Mar 2024
[ Flat Galaxies ] [ Deep Sky Challanges (Ast.Now) ]

CCD Image (50% size, square root scale)
5 x 180s exposure (average combine), 3x3 binning, C Filter
2019-10-25 04:42 UT (#714374-78)
12" LX200R (at f/10.4) + ST-10XME
Auto-guided using TS 80mm APO, ZWO ASI178MC & PHD2

NGC 3044 - Detail

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

Febuary 2024 - IC 2165 Planetary Nebula

IC 2165 / PLN 221-12.1 (Canis Major)
[ Planetary Nebula ]

Annotated CCD Image (50% size, square root scale)
5 x 30s exposure (average combine), 3x3 binning, Clear Filter
2024-02-13 21:50 UT (#1185083-87)
12" LX200R (at f/10.4) + ST-10XME
(Autoguided using TS 80mm APO + ZWO ASI178MC)

IC 2165 - Detail

Annotated CCD Image (125% size, square root scale, cropped)
Image details as above

IC 2165 - Spectral Image (SA 200 Filter)
Zero-order star image on left, First-order spectra on right
Spectra shows with the two main emission lines that are typical of a Planetary Nebula

Annotated CCD Image (100% size, linear scale, cropped)
5 x 90s exposure (average combine), 2x2 binning, S Filter
2024-02-13 21:56 UT (#1185088-92)
12" LX200R (at f/10.4) + ST-10XME
(Autoguided using TS 80mm APO + ZWO ASI178MC)

January 2024 - Jonckheere 900 Planetary Nebula

Jonckheere 900 (Gemini)
Gemini curios object, Ast.Now, Feb 2020, p74
Jonckheere 900 is highlighted by the white cross-hairs
[ Planetary Nebula ]

Annotated CCD Image (50% size, square root scale)
4 x 60s exposure (average combine), 3x3 binning, C Filter
2020-01-28 20:16 UT (#748003-09)
12" LX200R (at f/10.4) + ST-10XME
Auto-guided using TS 80mm APO, ZWO ASI178MC & PHD2

Jonckheere 900 - Detail
Jonckheere 900 appears very stellar like in this closer view.
It's planetary nebula nature becomes only becomes evident when
examined with spectroscopy (see below)

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

Jonckheere 900's planetary nature revealed
Image from diffraction grating (Star Analyser 200) showing distinct signature of
a planetary nebula with light concentrated at two particular wavelengths

CCD Image (100% scale, log scale, cropped)
Image details as above

Reference Image
Stars through C Filter displayed at same scale & same image rotation
(150% scale, square scale, rotated, cropped)
4 x 60s exposure (average combine), 3x3 binning, C Filter
2020-01-28 20:16 UT (#748003-09)

Deep Sky Challenges (List)

2023 Deep Sky Challenges

December 2023 - IC 418 Planetary Nebula (Spirograph/Raspberry Nebula)

IC 418 (Lepus)
Alias: Hidden Treasures 28
[ Planetary Nebula ] [ Hidden Treasures ]

Annotated CCD Image (50% size, linear scale)
5 x 30s exposure (average combine), 3x3 binning, Clear Filter
2023-01-29 21:49 UT (#1094005-09)
12" LX200R (at f/10.4) + ST-10XME
Auto-guided using TS 80mm APO, ZWO ASI178MC & PHD2

Annotated CCD Image (150% size, log scale, cropped)
Image details as above

IC 418 Spectra

CCD Image (100% size, square root scale, rotated, cropped)
5 x 60s exposure (average combine), 2x2 binning, S Filter
2023-01-29 21:54 UT (#1094010-14)
12" LX200R (at f/10.4) + ST-10XME
Auto-guided using TS 80mm APO, ZWO ASI178MC & PHD2

November 2023 - NGC 128 Galaxy Group (LGG 6)

NGC 125 Galaxy Group (Pisces)

NGC 128 (catalog mag +11.8) with adjacent galaxies
NGC 125 (Catalog mag +12.4), NGC 126 (catalog mag +14.4),
NGC 127 (Catalog mag +14.8), NGC 130 (catalog mag +14.4)
and PGC 212533 (alias LEDA 212533, catalog mag +17.2)

Annotated CCD Image (50% size, square root scale)
5 x 180s exposure (average combine), 3x3 binning, C Filter
2019-10-02 22:22 UT (#704043-47)
12" LX200R (at f/10.4) + ST-10XME
Auto-guided using TS 80mm APO, ZWO ASI178MC & PHD2

NGC 125 - Spiral Galaxy
Ring Galaxy, J.Lowrey List
[ Ring Galaxies ]

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

October 2023 - NGC 7385 Galaxy Group (WBL 668)

WBL 688 Group (326 mly distance) with 6 members : NGC 7385, 7386, 7383, 7389, 7387 & 7390.
The two brightest members ( NGC 7385 & NGC 7386) were discovered by William Herschel

NGC 7385 Galaxy Group (Pegasus)
Alias: WBL 688
Ast.Now Deep Sky Challenge, Oct 2023
[ Deep Sky Challanges (Ast.Now) ]

6 main members of group are NGC 7385, 7386, 7383, 7389, 7387 & 7390

Other smaller galaxies in field of view are PGC 95571 (catalog mag +16.4),
PGC 69835 (catalog mag +16.8) & PGC 1396230 (catalog mag +17.4)

Annotated CCD Image (70% size, square root scale)
5 x 180s exposure (average combine), 3x3 binning, Clear Filter
2023-10-04 22:53 UT (#1154066-70)
12" LX200R (at f/10.4) + ST-10XME
Auto-guided using TS 80mm APO, ZWO ASI178MC & PHD2

NGC 7383 - Spiral Galaxy with NGC 7384 - Galaxy

Annotated CCD Image (150% size, square root scale, cropped)
Image details as above

NGC 7385 - Spiral Galaxy

Annotated CCD Image (175% size, square root scale, cropped)
Image details as above

NGC 7386 - Spiral Galaxy
with multiple small surrounding galaxies

Annotated CCD Image (175% size, square root scale, cropped)
Image details as above

NGC 7387- Spiral Galaxy

Annotated CCD Image (175% size, square root scale, cropped)
Image details as above

NGC 7389 - Spiral Galaxy

Annotated CCD Image (175% size, square root scale, cropped)
Image details as above

NGC 7390 - Spiral Galaxy

Annotated CCD Image (175% size, square root scale, cropped)
Image details as above

NGC 7385 - Spiral Galaxy

NGC 7385 (Pegasus)
Part of NGC 7385 Galaxy Group (WBL 688)
Ast.Now Deep Sky Challenge, Oct 2023
[ Deep Sky Challanges (Ast.Now) ]

Annotated CCD Image (70% size, square root scale)
5 x 180s exposure (average combine), 3x3 binning, Clear Filter
2023-09-20 21:14 UT (#1147035-39)
12" LX200R (at f/10.4) + ST-10XME
Auto-guided using TS 80mm APO, ZWO ASI178MC & PHD2

NGC 7385 Galaxy Group (Pegasus)
[ Herschel 400 Objects ] [ Galaxy Groups ]

To be imaged & added

September 2023 - NGC 6934 Globular Cluster

NGC 6934 (Delphinus)
Alias: Herschel I-103 / Caldwell 47
[ Herschel 400 Objects ] [ Caldwell Objects ] [ Globular Star Clusters ]

CCD Image (100% size, log scale, cropped)
4 x 30s exposure (average combine), 2x2 binning, Clear Filter
2023-08-19 22:22 UT (#1131046-57)
12" LX200R (at f/10.4) + ST-10XME
Auto-guided using TS 80mm APO, ZWO ASI178MC & PHD2

August 2023 - NGC 6891 Planetary Nebula

NGC 6891 (Delphinus)
[ Planetary Nebula ]

Annotated CCD Image (50% size, log scale)
3 x 30s exposure (average combine), 3x3 binning, Clear Filter
2023-08-06 22:31 UT (#1126011-24)
12" LX200R (at f/10.4) + ST-10XME
Auto-guided using TS 80mm APO, ZWO ASI178MC & PHD2

NGC 6891 - Detail

Annotated CCD Image (150% size, log scale, cropped)
4 x 45s exposure (average combine), 2x2 binning, Clear Filter
2023-08-06 22:32 UT (#1126013-21)
12" LX200R (at f/10.4) + ST-10XME
Auto-guided using TS 80mm APO, ZWO ASI178MC & PHD2

NGC 6891 - Spectra

CCD Image (100% size, rotated, square root scale, cropped)
3 x 60s exposure (average combine), 2x2 binning, S Filter
2023-08-06 22:30 UT (#1126012-17)
12" LX200R (at f/10.4) + ST-10XME
Auto-guided using TS 80mm APO, ZWO ASI178MC & PHD2

July 2023 - NGC 6369 Planetary Nebula (Little Ghost Nebula, Herschel IV-11)

NGC 6369 / Herschel IV-11 (Ophiuchus)

CCD Image (70% size reduction)
8 x 20s sec exposure (average combine), 2x2 binning, C Filter
2009-05-26 23:37 h UT (#369086-88)
12" LX200R (at f/5.7) + ST-10XME
Image at just 6 deg above SSE horizon

NGC 6369 - detail

CCD Image (150% size enlargement, cropped)
Image details as above

June 2023 - NGC 5903 & NGC 5898

Not yet imaged. Low lying galaxy pair, tough challenge from UK skies.

May 2023 - NGC 5576 Galaxy Group

NGC 5576 Galaxy Group (Virgo)
NGC 5574, NGC 5576 & NGC 5577
Members of LGG 379 & NGC 5566 Galaxy Group
Ast. Now Deep Sky Challenge Object, May 2023
[ Deep Sky Challanges (Ast.Now) ]

Annotated CCD Image Mosaic (50% size, square root scale)
4 x 180s exposure (average combine), 3x3 binning, Clear Filter
2023-04-19 23:44 UT (#1115047-50 & 1115054-58)
12" LX200R (at f/10.4) + ST-10XME
Auto-guided using TS 80mm APO, ZWO ASI178MC & PHD2

NGC 5574 - Detail

Annotated CCD Image (125% size, log scale, cropped)
4 x 180s exposure (average combine), 3x3 binning, Clear Filter
2023-04-19 23:34 UT (#1115047-50)
12" LX200R (at f/10.4) + ST-10XME
Auto-guided using TS 80mm APO, ZWO ASI178MC & PHD2

NGC 5576 - Detail

NGC 5566 Group
NGC 5574, NGC 5576 & NGC 5577 form half of the NGC 5566 Galaxy Group.
which consists of an additional 3 interacting galaxies NGC 5566 (ARP 286) itself, NGC 5569 & NGC 5560

NGC 5566 (ARP 286), NGC 5560 & NGC 5569 (Virgo)
NGC 5566, Catalog Mag +11.4),
NGC 5560 (catalog mag +12.4),
NGC 5569 (catalog mag +13.7)
[ ARP Galaxies ]

Annotated CCD Image (70% size, square root scale)
5 x 180s exposure (average combine), 3x3 binning, Clear Filter
2023-04-19 22:53 UT (#1115033-37)
12" LX200R (at f/10.4) + ST-10XME
Auto-guided using TS 80mm APO, ZWO ASI178MC & PHD2

Apr 2023 - NGC 3166 Galaxy Group (NGC 3165, NGC 3166 & NGC 3369)

NGC 3166 / Herschel H3-1 (Sextans)
with NGC 3169 / Herschel H4-1 & NGC 3165
[ Herschel 400 Objects ]

Annotated CCD Image (negative)
3 x 2 min (average combine), clear filter
2005-05-18 00:26 h UT (#87103-05)
8" LX200 Classic + ST-7E

Mar 2023 - Interacting Galaxies NGC 2672 & 2673 (ARP 167)

NGC 2672 & 2673, ARP 167 (Cancer)

CCD Image (50% size) 5 x 120s sec exposure (average combine), 3x3 binning, C Filter 2011-01-14 22:57 h UT (#445082-86) 12" LX200R (at f/9.7) + ST-10XME		Negative CCD Image (50% size) Image details as above left

NGC 2672 & 2673 / ARP 167 - detail

Annotated CCD Image Image details as above		Negative CCD Image Image details as above left

Feb 2023 Challenge : Minkowski 1-13 (Planetary Nebula)

Minkowski 1-13 (Canis Major)
Alias: PK 232-1.1
Ast. Now, Deep Sky Challanege, Feb 2023

Annotated CCD Image (50% size, square root scale)
4 x 90s exposure (average combine), 3x3 binning, Clear Filter
2023-01-26 22:00 UT (#1091007-11)
12" LX200R (at f/10.4) + ST-10XME
Auto-guided using TS 80mm APO, ZWO ASI178MC & PHD2

Minkowski 1-13 - Detail

Annotated CCD Image (125% size, square root scale, cropped)
Image details as above

Minkowski 1-13 Spectra (Attempt)
Poor image quality (cloud, single frame)
despite this a Pl. Neb type spectra is evident

Spectra Image (100% size, linear scale, rotated)
180s exposure (single frame), 2x2 binning, S Filter
2023-01-26 22:10 UT (#1091014)
12" LX200R (at f/10.4) + ST-10XME
Auto-guided using TS 80mm APO, ZWO ASI178MC & PHD2

Jan 2023 Challenge : NGC 1622 Galaxy Group (NGC 1618, 1622, 1625)

NGC 1622 Galaxy Group (Eridanus)
Alias: NGC 1622 Galaxy Group
(NGC 1618, NGC 1622 & NGC 1625)

NGC 1618 & NGC 1622

Annotated CCD Image (50% size, square root scale)
5 x 180s exposure (average combine), 3x3 binning, Clear Filter
2023-11-12 01:38 UT (#1165159-63)
12" LX200R (at f/10.4) + ST-10XME
Auto-guided using TS 80mm APO, ZWO ASI178MC & PHD2

NGC 1625 (Eridanus)
Glare on left side from HIP 21444 / 48 ERI (catalog mag 3.9)
removed using Nebulosity4 synthetic flat fielder

Annotated CCD Image (50% size, square root scale)
5 x 180s exposure (average combine), 3x3 binning, Clear Filter
2022-12-17 23:14 UT (#1072123-27)
12" LX200R (at f/10.4) + ST-10XME
Auto-guided using TS 80mm APO, ZWO ASI178MC & PHD2

NGC 1618 - Spiral Galaxy

Annotated CCD Image (125% size, square root scale, cropped)
5 x 180s exposure (average combine), 3x3 binning, Clear Filter
2023-11-12 01:38 UT (#1165159-63)
12" LX200R (at f/10.4) + ST-10XME
Auto-guided using TS 80mm APO, ZWO ASI178MC & PHD2

NGC 1622 - Spiral Galaxy

NGC 1625 - Spiral Galaxy

Annotated CCD Image (100% size, square root scale, cropped)
5 x 180s exposure (average combine), 3x3 binning, Clear Filter
2022-12-17 23:14 UT (#1072123-27)
12" LX200R (at f/10.4) + ST-10XME
Auto-guided using TS 80mm APO, ZWO ASI178MC & PHD2

Hickson 30 lies just 20' north of NGC 1622 Group

Hickson 30 (Eridanus)

Annotated CCD Image (50% size, cropped)
2 x 180 sec exposure (average combine), 3x3 binning, C Filter
2018-09-05 03:38 UT (#626129-30)
12" LX200R (at f/10.4) + ST-10XME
Auto-guided using TS 80mm APO, ZWO ASI178MC & PHD2

Hickson 30 - Detail
a) PGC 15620 (catalog mag +13.7), b) PGC 15631 (catalog mag +14.3),
c) PGC 15624 (catalog mag +15.9), d) PGC 15636 (catalog mag +16.4)

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

Deep Sky Challenges (List)

2022 Deep Sky Challenges

Dec 2022 Challenge : NGC 7782 Galaxy Group (alias WBL 727, Zwicky 2350.6+0758)

NGC 7782 Galaxy Group,
NGC 7782 with NGC 7778, NGC 7779 & NGC 7781

Annotated CCD Image (70% size, square root scale)
3 x 180s exposure (average combine), 3x3 binning, Clear Filter
2022-12-11 18:47 UT (#1068078-80)
12" LX200R (at f/10.4) + ST-10XME
Auto-guided using TS 80mm APO, ZWO ASI178MC & PHD2

NGC 7782 - Spiral Galaxy

Annotated CCD Image (125% size, square root scale, cropped)
Image details as above

Negative CCD Image (125% size, square root scale, cropped)
Image details as above

NGC 7779 - Spiral Galaxy
Ring Galaxy from J.Lowrey Ring Galaxy List

NGC 7778 (catalog mag +12.7), NGC 7779 (catalog mag +13.7),
NGC 7781 (catalog mag +14.3), NGC 7782 (catalog mag +13.1)

Annotated CCD Image (50% size)
5 x 180s exposure (average combine), 3x3 binning, C Filter
2019-08-22 01:33 UT (#682037-41)
12" LX200R (at f/10.4) + ST-10XME
Auto-guided using TS 80mm APO, ZWO ASI178MC & PHD2

NGC 7779 and adjacent galaxies - Detail
NGC 7779 (catalog mag +13.7) plus
NGC 7778 (catalog mag +12.7) and NGC 7781 (catalog mag +14.3)

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

NGC 7779 - Detail
Sky was too bright to record much detail of the ring
(Sky Background 8830 ADU, Moon Phase 66%,
Ang. Sep from Moon 41 deg, Moon Altitude 29 deg)

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

NGC 7780 (Pisces)
NGC 7780 - Spiral Galaxy (alias PGC 72775, catalog mag +14.8)
with adjacent galaxies PGC 72746 (catalog mag +16.3) &
PGC 1337873 (catalog mag +17.5)

Annotated CCD Image (50% size, linear scale)
4 x 60s exposure (average combine), 3x3 binning, Clear Filter
2022-12-12 18:42 UT (#1069043-47)
12" LX200R (at f/10.4) + ST-10XME
Auto-guided using TS 80mm APO, ZWO ASI178MC & PHD2

NGC 7780 - Detail

Annotated CCD Image (125% size, square root scale, cropped)
5 x 180s exposure (average combine), 3x3 binning, Clear Filter
2022-12-12 21:34 UT (#1069221-25)
12" LX200R (at f/10.4) + ST-10XME
Auto-guided using TS 80mm APO, ZWO ASI178MC & PHD2

Nov 2022 Challenge : NGC 524 Galaxy

NGC 524 / H I-151 (Pisces)

CCD Image (100% size, log scale, cropped)
4 x 120s exposure (average combine), 3x3 binning, C Filter
2019-02-02 19:09 UT (#656036-40)
12" LX200R (at f/10.4) + ST-10XME
Auto-guided using TS 80mm APO, ZWO ASI178MC & PHD2

NGC 524 - Wider View

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

NGC 524 with SN 2018Q - Earlier Image (2008)

Annotated CCD Image
3 x 120s exposure (av. combine), 2x2 binning, C Filter
2008-02-16 19:45h UT (#265059-62)
8" LX200 Classic (at f/7.4) +ST-7E

2008Q was a Type 1a Supernova discovered 2008/01/26.75
by Giancarlo Cortin at ~ mag +16.8
(Rochester Supernova site | Discovery Image |
| Later Image by Diego Rodriguez | Reference Image)

Image above (2008-02-16.82) was taken 21 days after discovery.
Measured SN 2008Q magnitude +14.1 (C)

Other members of NGC 524 Galaxy Group

NGC 489 (Pisces).
Ast. Now Deep Sky Challenge, Nov 2019

CCD Image (100% size, square root scale, cropped)
5 x 180s exposure (average combine), 3x3 binning, C Filter
2019-10-22 20:33 UT (#713042-46)
12" LX200R (at f/10.4) + ST-10XME
Auto-guided using TS 80mm APO, ZWO ASI178MC & PHD2

NGC 502 (Pisces)
Ast. Now Deep Sky Challenge, Nov 2019
(the single frame below picks up no detail from this small
spiral galaxy, target to be rescheduled)

CCD Image (100% size, square root scale, cropped)
180s exposure (single frame), 3x3 binning, C Filter
2019-10-23 00:17 UT (#713231)
12" LX200R (at f/10.4) + ST-10XME
Auto-guided using TS 80mm APO, ZWO ASI178MC & PHD2

NGC 509 (Pisces)
Ast. Now Deep Sky Challenge, Nov 2019

CCD Image (100% size, linear scale, cropped)
4 x 180s exposure (average combine), 3x3 binning, C Filter
2019-10-22 22:38 UT (#713150-54)
12" LX200R (at f/10.4) + ST-10XME
Auto-guided using TS 80mm APO, ZWO ASI178MC & PHD2

NGC 516 (Pisces)
Ast. Now Deep Sky Challenge, Nov 2019

CCD Image (100% size, square root scale, cropped)
4 x 180s exposure (average combine), 3x3 binning, C Filter
2019-10-22 22:58 UT (#713158-62)
12" LX200R (at f/10.4) + ST-10XME
Auto-guided using TS 80mm APO, ZWO ASI178MC & PHD2

NGC 518 (Pisces)
NGC 524 / LGG 23 Group Member .
Ast. Now Deep Sky Challenge, Nov 2019

CCD Image (100% size, square root scale, cropped)
5 x 180s exposure (average combine), 3x3 binning, C Filter
2019-10-24 22:13 UT (#714109-13)
12" LX200R (at f/10.4) + ST-10XME
Auto-guided using TS 80mm APO, ZWO ASI178MC & PHD2

NGC 522 (Pisces)
Flat Galaxy Atlas Object

CCD Image (100% size, square root scale, cropped)
5 x 180s exposure (average combine), 3x3 binning, C Filter
2019-08-27 01:25 UT (#685178-82)
12" LX200R (at f/10.4) + ST-10XME
Auto-guided using TS 80mm APO, ZWO ASI178MC & PHD2

Oct 2022 Challenge : NGC 6962 Galaxy Group

NGC 6962 Galaxy Group (Aquarius)
Alias WBL 666 Galaxy Group
NGC 6959, NGC 6961, NGC 6962, NGC 6964, NGC 6967
(The 7th member NGC 6963 lies just outside FOV)

CCD Image (70% size, square root scale)
4 x 180s exposure (average combine), 3x3 binning, C Filter
2020-07-17 23:29 UT (#795024-27)
12" LX200R (at f/10.4) + ST-10XME
Auto-guided using TS 80mm APO, ZWO ASI178MC & PHD2

NGC 6962 & NGC 6962 - Detail
Brightest member of NGC 6962 / WBL 666 Galaxy Group

Annotated CCD Image (100% size, square root scale, cropped)
Image details as above

Sep 2022 Challenge : Minkowski 1-79 - Planetary Nebula

Minkowski 1-79 (Cygnus)
Ast. Now Deep Sky Challenge Object, Sep 2022
Alias: PLN 93-2.1
[ Planetary Nebula ]

Annotated CCD Image (50% size, square root scale)
5 x 120s exposure (average combine), 3x3 binning, Clear Filter
2022-08-19 02:04 UT (#1028012-16)
12" LX200R (at f/10.4) + ST-10XME
Auto-guided using TS 80mm APO, ZWO ASI178MC & PHD2

Minkowski 1-79 - Detail

Annotated CCD Image (150% size, square root scale, cropped)
Image details as above

Negative CCD Image (150% size, square root scale, cropped)
Image details as above

Minkowski 1-79
(rotated for comparison with Spectra Image)
Minkowski 1-79 is on left hand side of image

CCD Image (100% size, square root scale, rotated, cropped)
Image details as above

Minkowski 1-79 - Spectra
Taken with SA-200 filter/grating, showing closing Pl.Neb spectra
with two main 1st order 'peaks' (centre)
Zero order image is visible close to left hand side of image.

CCD Image (100% size, square root scale, rotated, cropped)
3 x 120s exposure (average combine), 3x3 binning, S Filter
2022-08-19 02:13 UT (#1028017-19)
12" LX200R (at f/10.4) + ST-10XME
Auto-guided using TS 80mm APO, ZWO ASI178MC & PHD2

Negative CCD Image (100% size, square root scale, rotated cropped)
Image details as above

Aug 2022 Challenge : SH2-71 - Planetary Nebula

SH2-71 (Gemini)
Ast. Now Deep Sky Challenge Object, Aug 2022
Alias: PLN 36- 1.1, Sharpless 2-71
[ Planetary Nebula ]

Annotated CCD Image (50% size, square root scale)
6 x 180s exposure (average combine), 3x3 binning, Clear Filter
2022-09-01 22:06 UT (#1035052-58)
12" LX200R (at f/10.4) + ST-10XME
Auto-guided using TS 80mm APO, ZWO ASI178MC & PHD2

SH 2-71 - Detail

Annotated CCD Image (125% size, square root scale, cropped)
Image details as above

Negative CCD Image (125% size, square root scale, cropped)
Image details as above

Jul 2022 Challenge : NGC 6886 - Planetary Nebula

NGC 6886 (Sagitta)
Starfield with position of planetary nebula is shown by white cross-hairs

CCD Image (50% size)
30s exposure (single frame), 3x3 binning, C Filter
2017-11-02 19:32h UT (#603085)
12" LX200R (at f/10.4) + ST-10XME

NGC 6886 - Detail

Annotated CCD Image (150% size, log scale, cropped)
Image details as above

Jun 2022 Challenge : NGC 6343 - Globular Cluster (H I-149)

NGC 6342 (Ophiuchus)
Alias: Herschel I-149
Image at 13 deg altitude

CCD Image (50% size, linear scale)
8 x 30s sec exposure (average combine), 3x3 binning, C Filter
2018-05-17 01:47 h UT (#610091-99)
12" LX200R (at f/5.7) + ST-10XME

NGC 6342 - detail

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

May 2022 Challenge : NGC 6742 - Planetary Nebula (Abell 50)

NGC 6742 (Draco)
Alias: Abell 50, PLN 78+18.1

Annotated CCD Image (cropped)
5 x 90 sec exposure (average combine), 3x3 binning, C Filter
2013-10-12 22:07 h UT (#548210-14)
12" LX200R (at f/9.7) + ST-10XME

NGC 6742 - Image (2013)

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

NGC 6742 - Image (2015)

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

Apr 2022 Challenge : NGC 2964 (Galaxy Trio, NGC 2964, 2968 & 2970, Leo Triplet 2)

NGC 2964, NGC 2968 & NGC 2970 (Leo)
Alias: Leo Triplet 2

Annotated CCD Image (50% size, square root scale)
5 x 180s exposure (average combine), 3x3 binning, C Filter
2022-03-22 22:49 UT (#992070-74)
12" LX200R (at f/10.4) + ST-10XME
Auto-guided using TS 80mm APO, ZWO ASI178MC & PHD2

NGC 2964 / Herschel I-114 - Detail

Annotated CCD Image (125% size, square root scale, cropped)
5 x 180s exposure (average combine), 3x3 binning, C Filter
2022-03-22 22:49 UT (#992070-74)
12" LX200R (at f/10.4) + ST-10XME
Auto-guided using TS 80mm APO, ZWO ASI178MC & PHD2

NGC 2968 - Detail

NGC 2970 - Detail

Annotated CCD Image (150% size, square root scale, cropped)
5 x 180s exposure (average combine), 3x3 binning, C Filter
2022-03-22 22:49 UT (#992070-74)
12" LX200R (at f/10.4) + ST-10XME
Auto-guided using TS 80mm APO, ZWO ASI178MC & PHD2

Mar 2022 Challenge : NGC 2513 (Galaxy Trio NGC 2510, 2511 & 2513)

NGC 2510, NGC 2511 & NGC 2513 (Cancer)
NGC 2513 (catalog mag +11.6), NGC 2510 (catalog mag +14.5),
NGC 2511 (catalog mag + 14.9), PGC 22568 (catalog mag + 15.6),
PGC 1364011 (catalog mag +16.2), PGC 1364217 (catalog mag +17.4)

Annotated CCD Image (50% size)
3 x 90s exposure (average combine), 3x3 binning, C Filter
2013-03-16 00:11hUT (#542088-91)
12" LX200R (at f/9.7) + ST-10XME

NGC 2513 & NGC 2511 - Detail

Annotated CCD Image (cropped)
Image details as above

Feb 2022 Challenge : Jonckheere 320 (Planetary Nebula)

Jonckheere 320 (Orion)
Deep Sky Challenge (Ast.Now, Feb 2022, p74)
[ Planetary Nebula ]

Annotated CCD Image (50% size, square root scale)
5 x 60s exposure (average combine), 3x3 binning, C Filter
2022-02-04 19:38 UT (#963025-29)
12" LX200R (at f/10.4) + ST-10XME
Auto-guided using TS 80mm APO, ZWO ASI178MC & PHD2

Jonckheere 320 - Detail
Little or no structure can been seen in the Pl.Neb
though its shape suggest that the object isn't a point source stellar object
(compare with the star object on right-hand side of picture)

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

Jonckheere 320 Spectra
Spectra shows a typical Pl.Neb spectra

Annotated CCD Image (100% scale, square root scale, rotated, cropped)
5 x 90s exposure (average combine), 2x2 binning, S Filter
2022-02-04 19:46 UT (#963030-34)
12" LX200R (at f/10.4) + ST-10XME
Auto-guided using TS 80mm APO, ZWO ASI178MC & PHD2

Jonckheere 320 Spectra Plot
Spectra shows a typical Pl.Neb spectra between 4250 and 7000 A
Note: The rising spectra beyond 7500 A is due to contamination from the
spectra from an offset star which has been binned in with the Jonckheere 320 spectra
(see above image)

Spectra produced in AstroMain using Image taken with Star Analyser 200
5 x 90s exposure (average combine), 2x2 binning, S Filter
2022-02-04 19:46 UT (#963030-34)
12" LX200R (at f/10.4) + ST-10XME
Auto-guided using TS 80mm APO, ZWO ASI178MC & PHD2

Jan 2022 Challenge : Palomar 2 (Globular Cluster)

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

2021 Deep Sky Challenges

Dec 2021 Challenge : Interacting Galaxies - NGC 1587 & NGC 1588

NGC 1587 & NGC 1588 (Taurus)
Alias: LGG 117, VV1104, Holmberg 76

Annotated CCD Image (50% size, square root scale)
5 x 180s exposure (average combine), 3x3 binning, C Filter
2021-12-28 20:39 UT (#945004-08)
12" LX200R (at f/10.4) + ST-10XME
Auto-guided using TS 80mm APO, ZWO ASI178MC & PHD2

NGC 1587 & NGC 1588 - Detail
Interacting Galaxies

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

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

Nov 2021 Challenge : Galaxy Triplets - NGC 1060 et al & NGC 1066 et al

NGC 1060 (Triangulum)
Deep Sky Challenge Object, Ast.Now, Nov 2021.
NGC 1060 (catalog mag +13.1),
NGC 1057 (catalog mag +15.5) &
NGC 1061 (catalog mag +16.1)
[ Deep Sky Challanges (Ast.Now) ]

Other galaxies in field of view :
NGC 1066 (catalog mag +13.8), NGC 1067 (catalog mag + 13.8),
NGC 1062 (catalog mag +16.2),

PGC 10337 (catalog mag +16.8), PGC 1999925 (catalog mag +17.9),
PGC 213075 (catalog mag +18.4), PGC 213076 (catalog mag ?),

Annotated CCD Image (70% size, square root scale)
5 x 180s exposure (average combine), 3x3 binning, C Filter
2021-10-31 00:39 UT (#930142-46)
12" LX200R (at f/10.4) + ST-10XME
Auto-guided using TS 80mm APO, ZWO ASI178MC & PHD2

Negative CCD Image (70% size, square root scale)
Image details as above

NGC 1066 (Triangulum)
NGC 1066 (bottom) with adjacent galaxies
NGC 1062, NGC 1067, PGC 213075 & PGC 213076

Annotated CCD Image (100% size, linear scale, cropped)
5 x 180s exposure (average combine), 3x3 binning, C Filter
2019-12-23 00:58 UT (#731108-12)
12" LX200R (at f/10.4) + ST-10XME
Auto-guided using TS 80mm APO, ZWO ASI178MC & PHD2

NGC 1066 & Adjacent Galaxies - Detail

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

Oct 2021 Challenge : NGC 7492 (Globular Cluster)

NGC 7492 (Aquarius)
[ Globular Star Clusters ]

Annotated CCD Image (50% size, square root scale)
6 x 60s exposure (average combine), 3x3 binning, Clear Filter
2022-08-26 01:22 UT (#1033025-30)
12" LX200R (at f/10.4) + ST-10XME
Auto-guided using TS 80mm APO, ZWO ASI178MC & PHD2

NGC 7492 - Detail

Annotated CCD Image (100% size, square root scale, cropped)
Image details as above

Sept 2021 Challenge : NGC 6749 (Globular Cluster)

NGC 6749 (Aquila)

CCD Image (50% size, square root scale)
4 x 60s exposure (average combine), 3x3 binning, C Filter
2019-09-01 23:14 UT (#688128-34)
12" LX200R (at f/10.4) + ST-10XME
Auto-guided using TS 80mm APO, ZWO ASI178MC & PHD2
[ larger view, 70% ]

Aug 2021 Challenge : IC 4997 (Planetary Nebula)

IC 4997 (Sagitta)
Alias: GCVS QV Sge

Annotated CCD Image (125% size, linear scale, cropped)
5 x 20s exposure (average combine), 3x3 binning, C Filter
2021-08-31 23:00 UT (#910025-29)
12" LX200R (at f/10.4) + ST-10XME
Auto-guided using TS 80mm APO, ZWO ASI178MC & PHD2

IC 4997 - Wider View

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

IC 4997 - Spectra Image
Pl. Neb spectra compared with adjacent star HD 355464

CCD Image, Spectra (100% size, square root scale, rotated, cropped)
4 x 90s exposure (average combine), 2x2 binning, S Filter
2021-08-31 23:06 UT (#910030-34)
12" LX200R (at f/10.4) + ST-10XME
Auto-guided using TS 80mm APO, ZWO ASI178MC & PHD2

IC 4997 - Spectra (corrected)
Strong O III and Ha emission lines

CCD Image, Spectra (100% size, square root scale, rotated, cropped)
Image details as above

Jul 2021 Challenge : IC 4593 (Planetary Nebula, White-Eyed Pea Nebula)

IC 4593 (Hercules)

Annotated CCD Image (100% size, square root scale, cropped)
5 x 20s exposure (average combine), 3x3 binning, C Filter
2021-08-31 22:31 UT (#910006-10)
12" LX200R (at f/10.4) + ST-10XME
Auto-guided using TS 80mm APO, ZWO ASI178MC & PHD2

IC 4593 - Detail
Very little detail can be seen

Annotated CCD Image (100% size, log scale, cropped)
6 x 120s exposure (average combine), 2x2 binning, Ha Filter
2021-08-31 22:47 UT (#910016-21)
12" LX200R (at f/10.4) + ST-10XME
Auto-guided using TS 80mm APO, ZWO ASI178MC & PHD2

IC 4593 Spectra
Strong emission lines typical of a planetrary nebula

CCD Image (100% size, linear scale, rotated, cropped)
5 x 90s exposure (average combine), 2x2 binning, S Filter
2021-08-31 22:36 UT (#910011-15)
12" LX200R (at f/10.4) + ST-10XME
Auto-guided using TS 80mm APO, ZWO ASI178MC & PHD2

June 2021 Challenge : NGC 5861 & NGC 5858 (Contrasting Galaxies)

NGC 5861 (Libra)
NGC 5861 (Spiral Galaxy) with NGC 5858 (Elliptical Galaxy)
Ast.Now Deep Sky Challenge Object, Jun 2021
[ Deep Sky Challanges (Ast.Now) ]

Annotated CCD Image (50% size, square root scale)
6 x 90s exposure (average combine), 3x3 binning, C Filter
2021-05-31 23:49 UT (#899010-16)
12" LX200R (at f/10.4) + ST-10XME
Auto-guided using TS 80mm APO, ZWO ASI178MC & PHD2

NGC 5861 - Detail
Image taken under twilight sky conditions (Sun Alt -10.5°)
Target to be rescheduled for darker sky condition.

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

NGC 5858 - Detail

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

May 2021 Challenge : NGC 4164, NGC 4165 & NGC 4168 (Galaxy Trio)

NGC 4164, NGC 4165 & NGC 4168 (Virgo)

NGC 4168 (catalog mag +11.2),
NGC 4165 / PGC 38885 (catalog mag +14.4)
& NGC 4164 (catalog mag +15.7)

Annotated CCD Image (50% size, square root scale)
5 x 180s exposure (average combine), 3x3 binning, C Filter
2021-04-01 22:43 UT (#879054-58)
12" LX200R (at f/10.4) + ST-10XME
Auto-guided using TS 80mm APO, ZWO ASI178MC & PHD2

NGC 4165 with SN2021gno (Virgo)
SN 2021gno (Type: II) discovered 2021/03/20.235 UT by ZTF
Alias: ZTF21aaqhhfu
( Rochester Supernova site | Claudio Balcon image | Giancarlo Cortini image )

NGC 4165 with SN2021gno - 2021-04-03 (T+14.7d)
Image below (2021-04-03.893) was taken 14.7 days after discovery of 2021gno
SN is shown by white cross hairs. Magnitude +16.7

Annotated CCD Image (125% size, square root scale, cropped)
5 x 180s exposure (average combine), 3x3 binning, C Filter
2021-04-03 21:36 UT (#881032-36)
12" LX200R (at f/10.4) + ST-10XME
Auto-guided using TS 80mm APO, ZWO ASI178MC & PHD2

Images of SN 2021gno (NGC 4165) on Supernovae 2021 Page >>

Apr 2021 Challenge : NGC 4005 (Galaxy Group)

NGC 4015 (ARP 138) was first imaged back in 2008, but the other 13 NGC galaxies in this galaxy group hadn't been imaged until recently
NGC 3987, 3993, 3997 & 4018, 3989, 4000, NGC 4005, 3999, 4011, 4015, 4021, 4022, 4023,
NGC 4015 / MCG+4-28-110 pair (ARP 138 , VV216), NGC 3993 (VV 1487)

As well as these brighter NGC galaxies there are a lot of faint PGC galaxies in the same region.

NGC 4005 & surrounding galaxies (Coma Berenices)
NGC 4005 with NGC 3999, NGC 4000, NGC 4011 & NGC 4015

Galaxies in field of view :
NGC 4005 (catalog mag +13.0),
NGC 4015 (catalog mag +13.5) & PGC 37703 (catalog mag +14.1),
NGC 3999 (catalog mag +15.5), NGC 4000 (catalog mag +15.1),
NGC 4011 (catalog +14.7), PGC 1724216 (catalog mag +17.0),
PGC 1726138 (catalog mag +17.7),

Annotated CCD Image (70% size, square root scale)
6 x 90s exposure (average combine), 3x3 binning, C Filter
2021-03-23 01:13 UT (#874155-60)
12" LX200R (at f/10.4) + ST-10XME
Auto-guided using TS 80mm APO, ZWO ASI178MC & PHD2

Negative CCD Image (70% size, square root scale)
Image details as above

NGC 4005 (centre) - Detail
Adjacent bright star is HIP 58364 (mag +8.27)
Other galaxies in FOV are NGC 4000 & NGC 4011

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

NGC 4015 & surrounding galaxies (Coma Berenices)
NGC 4015 (ARP 138) with NGC 4005, 4011, 4021 & NGC 4023

NGC 4015 (catalog mag +13.5) & PGC 37703 (catalog mag +14.1)
NGC 4005 (catalog mag +13.0), NGC 4023 (catalog mag +14.6),
NGC 4011 (catalog +14.7), NGC 4021 (catalog mag +15.8),
PGC 1724216 (catalog mag +17.0), PGC 1725160 (catalog mag +17.4),
PGC 1726138 (catalog mag +17.7), PGC 1721856 (catalog mag +18.0),

Annotated CCD Image (70% size, square root scale)
5 x 180s exposure (average combine), 3x3 binning, C Filter
2021-03-23 00:09 UT (#874125-29)
12" LX200R (at f/10.4) + ST-10XME
Auto-guided using TS 80mm APO, ZWO ASI178MC & PHD2

Negative CCD Image (70% size, square root scale)
Image details as above

ARP 138: NGC 4015 & PGC 37703

Annotated CCD Image (125% size, square root scale, cropped)
5 x 180s exposure (average combine), 3x3 binning, C Filter
2021-03-23 00:09 UT (#874125-29)
12" LX200R (at f/10.4) + ST-10XME
Auto-guided using TS 80mm APO, ZWO ASI178MC & PHD2

Negative CCD Image (125% size, square root scale, cropped)
Image details as above

NGC 3993 with surrounding galaxies (Leo)
NGC 3993 with NGC 3987, NGC 3989 & NGC 3997
Unexplained light artefact in lower left of image

Annotated CCD Image (100% size, square root scale, cropped)
5 x 180s exposure (average combine), 3x3 binning, C Filter
2021-03-22 01:48 UT (#873054-58)
12" LX200R (at f/10.4) + ST-10XME
Auto-guided using TS 80mm APO, ZWO ASI178MC & PHD2

NGC 3993 with surrounding galaxies - Negative
Unexplained light artefact in lower left of image

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

NGC 3993 - Detail

Annotated CCD Image (150% size, square root scale, cropped)
Image details as above

NGC 3987 - Detail

Annotated CCD Image (150% size, square root scale, cropped)
Image details as above

NGC 3997 - Detail

Annotated CCD Image (150% size, square root scale, cropped)
Image details as above

NGC 4018 - Spiral Galaxy

Annotated CCD Image (50% size, square root scale)
5 x 180s exposure (average combine), 3x3 binning, C Filter
2021-04-14 23:49 UT (#885064-68)
12" LX200R (at f/10.4) + ST-10XME
Auto-guided using TS 80mm APO, ZWO ASI178MC & PHD2

NGC 4018 - Detail

Annotated CCD Image (125% size, square root scale, cropped)
Image details as above

NGC 4022 (Coma Berenices)
NGC 4022 ( PGC 37729, catalog mag +13.2 & +14.6)

With several other galaxies in FOV:
NGC 4018 (PGC 37699, catalog mag +14.0),
NGC 4009 (PGC 37677, catalog mag +16.4),
PGC 1730980 (catalog mag +18.4) &
PGC 1727207 (catalog mag +18.9)

Annotated CCD Image (50% size, log scale)
5 x 180s exposure (average combine), 3x3 binning, Clear Filter
2024-02-13 01:18 UT (#1184121-25)
12" LX200R (at f/10.4) + ST-10XME
Auto-guided using TS 80mm APO, ZWO ASI178MC & PHD2

NGC 4022 - Detail

Annotated CCD Image (125% size, log scale, cropped)
Image details as above

Mar 2021 Challenge : NGC 2713 & NGC 2716 (Hydra's Galaxies)

NGC 2713 (Hydra)

Annotated CCD Image (50% size, square root scale)
5 x 180s exposure (average combine), 3x3 binning, C Filter
2021-12-29 01:59 UT (#945148-52)
12" LX200R (at f/10.4) + ST-10XME
Auto-guided using TS 80mm APO, ZWO ASI178MC & PHD2

NGC 2713 - Detail

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

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

NGC 2716 (Hydra)

Annotated CCD Image (50% size, square root scale)
2 x 180s exposure (average combine), 3x3 binning, C Filter
2021-12-29 02:14 UT (#945155-56)
12" LX200R (at f/10.4) + ST-10XME
Auto-guided using TS 80mm APO, ZWO ASI178MC & PHD2

NGC 2716 - Detail

CCD Image (100% size, log scale, cropped)
5 x 180s exposure (average combine), 3x3 binning, C Filter
2022-02-22 22:02 UT (#975079-83)
12" LX200R (at f/10.4) + ST-10XME
Auto-guided using TS 80mm APO, ZWO ASI178MC & PHD2

IC 2426 (Hydra)
17 arc min east of NGC 2716
Near to Ast.Now Deep Sky Challenge Object, Mar 2021

Annotated CCD Image (50% size, square root scale)
5 x 180s exposure (average combine), 3x3 binning, C Filter
2022-02-22 22:26 UT (#975086-90)
12" LX200R (at f/10.4) + ST-10XME
Auto-guided using TS 80mm APO, ZWO ASI178MC & PHD2

IC 2426 - Detail

Annotated CCD Image (150% size, square root scale, cropped)
Image details as above

AGC 732 (Hydra)
Near to Ast.Now Deep Sky Challenge Object Mar 2021 (NGC 2716)

Annotated CCD Image (50% size, square root scale)
5 x 180s exposure (average combine), 3x3 binning, C Filter
2022-01-08 01:43 UT (#950183-87)
12" LX200R (at f/10.4) + ST-10XME
Auto-guided using TS 80mm APO, ZWO ASI178MC & PHD2

AGC 732 - Detail
Multitude of faint galaxies of which the brightest members are
PGC 1245896 (catalog mag +17.3), PGC 25186 (catalog mag +17.5),
PGC 25187 (catalog mag +18.9) & PGC 25177

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

Feb 2021 Challenge : NGC 2389 Galaxy Group

NGC 2389 (Gemini)
NCG 2389 (upper left) with adjacent galaxies NGC 2385 & NGC 2388

Annotated CCD Image (50% size, square root scale)
4 x 180s exposure (average combine), 3x3 binning, C Filter
2019-12-31 00:55 UT (#733287-90)
12" LX200R (at f/10.4) + ST-10XME
Auto-guided using TS 80mm APO, ZWO ASI178MC & PHD2

NGC 2388 & Adjacent Galaxies - Detail
NGC 2388 (catalog mag +13.9)
NGC 2385 (catalog mag +14.3)
NGC 2389 (catalog mag +12.7)

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

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

NGC 2389 - Detail
NGC 2389 (catalog mag +12.7)

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

Jan 2021 Challenge : NGC 1999, Nebula (H IV-33)

NGC 1999 / H IV-33 (Orion)

CCD Image (50% size,linear scale)
6 x 90s exposure (average combine), 3x3 binning, C Filter
2019-01-31 18:36 UT (#654012-17)
12" LX200R (at f/10.4) + ST-10XME
Auto-guided using TS 80mm APO, ZWO ASI178MC & PHD2

NGC 1999 - Detail

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

NGC 1999 - Earlier Detail (2019-01-31)

CCD Image (100% size, log scale, cropped)
6 x 90s exposure (average combine), 3x3 binning, C Filter
2019-01-31 18:36 UT (#654012-17)
12" LX200R (at f/10.4) + ST-10XME
Auto-guided using TS 80mm APO, ZWO ASI178MC & PHD2

2020 Deep Sky Challenges

Dec 2020 Challenge : Hickson 16 (NGC 833, 835, 838 & 839)

Hickson 16 / NGC 835 et al / ARP 318 (Cetus)

Annotated CCD Image (50% size, square root scale)
5 x 120 sec exposure (average combine), 3x3 binning, C filter,
2013-11-01 23:36hUT (#552518-22
12" LX200R (at f/9.7) + ST-10XME

NGC 835 et al / Hickson 16 / ARP 318 - detail

Annotated CCD Image (100% scale, cropped)
Image details as above

NGC 848 (Cetus)
Alias: Galaxy near to Hickson 16

Annotated CCD Image (50% size, square root scale)
5 x 180s exposure (average combine), 3x3 binning, C Filter
2021-09-28 00:11 UT (#917198-202)
12" LX200R (at f/10.4) + ST-10XME
Auto-guided using TS 80mm APO, ZWO ASI178MC & PHD2

NGC 848 - Detail

Annotated CCD Image (125% size, square root scale, cropped)
Image details as above

Nov 2020 Challenge : Interacting Galaxies NGC 274 & NGC 275

NNGC 274 & NGC 275 - ARP 140 (Cetus)
NGC 274 - Elliptical Galaxy / NGC 275 - Spiral Galaxy

Annotated CCD Image (linear scale)
5 x 90s exposure (average combine), 2x2 binning, C Filter
2009-12-26 20:51 h UT (#408200-04)
12" LX200R (at f/5.7) + ST-10XME

Negative CCD Image (linear scale)
Image details as above

Oct 2020 Challenge : Complex shell galaxy NGC 474 (ARP 227)

NGC 470 & NGC 474 (Pisces)

Annotated CCD Image (50% size, square root scale)
7 x 180s exposure (average combine), 3x3 binning, C Filter
2020-11-19 23:30 UT (#830080-86)
12" LX200R (at f/10.4) + ST-10XME
Auto-guided using TS 80mm APO, ZWO ASI178MC & PHD2

NGC 474 / ARP 227- Detail
Complex ring structure is just visible

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

Sep 2020 Challenge : Planetary Nebula, NGC 6842

NGC 6842 (Vulpecula)
Alias PK 65+0.1

CCD Image (50% size)
5 x 20 sec exposure (average combine), 3x3 binning, C Filter
2018-07-26 00:08 UT (#616108-12)
12" LX200R (at f/10.4) + ST-10XME

NGC 6842 - detail

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

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

NGC 6842 - Earlier Image (2014)

Negative CCD Image (100% size, cropped)
3 x 120s exposure (average combine), 3x3 binning, C Filter
2014-11-23 20:10hUT (#571048-52)
12" LX200R (at f/10.4) + ST-10XME

Aug 2020 Challenge : Dark Nebula, Barnard 106 & 107

B106 and B107 Dark Nebula, Other nearby dark nebula (B110 & B111) , Nearby NGC 6704 (open cluster)

B106, B107, B110 & B111 (Scutum)
Barnards Dark Nebulae
3 x 3 Mosaic, FOV 44.0 x 29.6 arc min

Annotated CCD Composite Mosaic, 3x3 (27% size, linear scale)
Frames 60s exposure (single frame), 3x3 binning, C Filter
2020-09-17 20:36 UT (#810020-35)
2020-09-13 21:02 UT (#808022-35)
12" LX200R (at f/10.4) + ST-10XME
Auto-guided using TS 80mm APO, ZWO ASI178MC & PHD2

B106 & B107 (Scutum)
Barnards Dark Nebula
3 x 3 Mosaic, FOV 44.0 x 29.6 arc min

CCD Mosaic, 3x3 (27% size, linear scale)
Frames 60s exposure (single frame), 3x3 binning, C Filter
2020-09-17 20:36 UT (#810020-35)
12" LX200R (at f/10.4) + ST-10XME
Auto-guided using TS 80mm APO, ZWO ASI178MC & PHD2
[ Larger Image (70% size) ]

B110 & B111 (Scutum)
Barnards Dark Nebula
( Note : Top right frame is missing from mosaic - it was cancelled to prevent
observation from overrunning its time slot )
3 x 3 Mosaic, FOV 44.4 x 29.3 arc min

CCD Mosaic, 3x3 (27% size, linear scale)
Frames 60s exposure (single frame), 3x3 binning, C Filter
2020-09-13 21:02 UT (#808022-35)
12" LX200R (at f/10.4) + ST-10XME
Auto-guided using TS 80mm APO, ZWO ASI178MC & PHD2
[ Larger Image (70% size) ]

( See also Internet - http://www.astrosurf.com/buil/gallery/b110/img.htm )

NGC 6704 (Scutum)
Near to Ast.Now Deep Sky Challenge B106/B107 (Aug 2020)

CCD Image (70% size, square root scale)
7 x 30s exposure (average combine), 3x3 binning, C Filter
2020-09-03 20:45 UT (#804003-09)
12" LX200R (at f/10.4) + ST-10XME
Auto-guided using TS 80mm APO, ZWO ASI178MC & PHD2

Jul 2020 Challenge : Globular Cluster, NGC 6539

NGC 6539 (Serpens)

CCD Image (50% size, square root scale)
5 x 30s exposure (average combine), 3x3 binning, C Filter
2019-09-11 21:49 UT (#692062-68)
12" LX200R (at f/10.4) + ST-10XME
Auto-guided using TS 80mm APO, ZWO ASI178MC & PHD2

Jun 2020 Challenge : Planetary Nebula, NGC 6309

NGC 6309 (Ophiuchus)
Small Planetary Nebula

Annotated CCD Image (50% size, square root scale)
7 x 60s exposure (average combine), 3x3 binning, C Filter
2020-06-02 00:11 UT (#789021-29)
12" LX200R (at f/10.4) + ST-10XME
Auto-guided using TS 80mm APO, ZWO ASI178MC & PHD2

NGC 6309 - Detail

CCD Image (150% size, square root scale, cropped)
Image details as above

Negative CCD Image (150% size, square root scale, cropped)
Image details as above

May 2020 Challenge : Edge On Galaxy, NGC 3254

NGC 3254 (Leo Minor)

Annotated CCD Image (50% size, square root scale)
2 x 180s exposure (average combine), 3x3 binning, C Filter
2021-12-30 02:38 UT (#946140-41)
12" LX200R (at f/10.4) + ST-10XME
Auto-guided using TS 80mm APO, ZWO ASI178MC & PHD2

NGC 3254 - Detail

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

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

NGC 3254 with SN 2019np - Earlier Image 2019-01-29
Image below (2019-01-29.058) was taken 19.4 days after discovery
SN is shown by white cross-hairs. Estimated magnitude +13.3

Annotated CCD Image (100% size, cropped)
4 x 120s exposure (average combine), 3x3 binning, C Filter
2019-01-29 01:24 UT (#651248-52)
12" LX200R (at f/10.4) + ST-10XME
Auto-guided using TS 80mm APO, ZWO ASI178MC & PHD2

Other Members of LGG 97 / NGC 3254 Group

NGC 3245 / H I-86 (Leo Minor)

CCD Image (50% size, log scale)
3 x 120s exposure (average combine), 3x3 binning, C Filter
2020-04-22 21:47 UT (#772026-30)
12" LX200R (at f/10.4) + ST-10XME
Auto-guided using TS 80mm APO, ZWO ASI178MC & PHD2

NGC 3245A (Leo Minor)
Flat Galaxy Atlas Object

Annotated CCD Image (50% size, square root scale)
2 x 180s exposure (average combine), 3x3 binning, C Filter
2019-11-30 00:59 UT (#724234-35)
12" LX200R (at f/10.4) + ST-10XME
Auto-guided using TS 80mm APO, ZWO ASI178MC & PHD2

NGC 3266 - Detail

CCD Image (100% size, square root scale, cropped)
5 x 180s exposure (average combine), 3x3 binning, C Filter
2021-02-17 02:27 UT (#859216-20)
12" LX200R (at f/10.4) + ST-10XME
Auto-guided using TS 80mm APO, ZWO ASI178MC & PHD2

NGC 3277 / H II-359 (Leo Minor)
Galaxy looks more like an elliptical galaxy rather than a spiral one !

CCD Image (100% size, log scale, cropped)
5 x 180s exposure (average combine), 3x3 binning, C Filter
2021-02-19 01:04 UT (#860055-59)
12" LX200R (at f/10.4) + ST-10XME
Auto-guided using TS 80mm APO, ZWO ASI178MC & PHD2

Apr 2020 Challenge : Galaxies, NGC 3023 & NGC 3018

NGC 3023 (Sextans)
NGC 3023 (centre) & NGC 3018 (right)

CCD Image (50% size)
5 x 180s exposure (average combine), 3x3 binning, C Filter
2020-03-19 23:38 UT (#763099-113)
12" LX200R (at f/10.4) + ST-10XME
Auto-guided using TS 80mm APO, ZWO ASI178MC & PHD2

NGC 3023 - Detail
NGC 3023 (catalog mag +12.3) & NGC 3018 (catalog mag +13.3)

Annotated CCD Image (100% size, square root scale, cropped)
Image details as above

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

Mar 2020 Challenge : ARP 94 - Galaxies, NGC 3226 & NGC 3227

ARP 94 / NGC 3227 & NGC 3226 (Leo)
Ast. Now Challenge, Mar 2020
Alias H II-29 & H II -28

Annotated CCD Image (50% size)
3 x 180s exposure (average combine), 3x3 binning, C Filter
2020-03-19 23:24 UT (#763103-06)
12" LX200R (at f/10.4) + ST-10XME
Auto-guided using TS 80mm APO, ZWO ASI178MC & PHD2

ARP 94 / NGC 3227 & NGC 3226 - Detail
NGC 3227 / H II 29 (catalog mag +10.4)
NGC 3226 / H II 28 (catalog mag +11.4)

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

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

Feb 2020 Challenge : Minkowski 1-8 - Planetary Nebula (PN G210.3+1.9)

Minkowski 1-8 in Monoceros was the Deep Sky Challenge Object in Astronomy Now Magazine for Feb 2020
It proved to be quite difficult to track down. I couldn't find a positional reference in TheSky6 for PN G210.3+1.9, but the finder chart in the magazine (but not the coordinates) implied it had a position that corresponded to planetary nebula PLN 210+ 1.1.

Centering on PLN 210+1.1 coordinates RA 06 53 31.404, Dec +03 12 13.64 (Epoch 2000) no planetary nebula could be seen at that location (absence confirmed by reviewing spectroscopic images. However some 3.8' to the south there was a small smudge of light (unnamed in TheSky6) at RA 06 53 33.79, Dec +03 08 26.59 (Epoch 2000) that has a spectrographic signature of a planetary nebula. This is believed to be Minkowski 1-8.

Minkowski 1-8 (Monoceros)
Ast. Now Deep Sky Challenge Object, Feb 2020
Pl.Neb highlighted by white cross-hairs

Annotated CCD Image (50% size, linear scale)
4 x 30s exposure (average combine), 3x3 binning, C Filter
2020-01-19 23:26 UT (#743015-21)
12" LX200R (at f/10.4) + ST-10XME
Auto-guided using TS 80mm APO, ZWO ASI178MC & PHD2

Minkowski 1-8 - Detail
(Pl.Neb at centre of cropped image)
Est. Mag +15.1

CCD Image (150% size, linear scale, cropped)
Image details as above

Minkowski 1-8 - Location
(Pl.Neb location believed to be Minkowski 1-8 )

CCD Image (150% size, linear scale, cropped)
Image details as above

Minkowski 1-8 - Spectrographic Image
(created using Star Analyser 2000 diffraction grating)

CCD Image (100% size, linear scale, rotated, cropped)
5 x 60s exposure (average combine), 2x2 binning, S Filter
2020-01-19 23:32 UT (#743022-26)
12" LX200R (at f/10.4) + ST-10XME
Auto-guided using TS 80mm APO, ZWO ASI178MC & PHD2

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

Jan 2020 Challenge : Haro 3-75 - Planetary Nebula

Haro 3-75 (Orion)
Alias PK 193-9.1
Deep Sky Challenge Object, Astronomy Now, Jan 2020

CCD Image (50% size)
taken through OptoLong L-eNhance dual-band filter
3 x 180s exposure (average combine), 3x3 binning, DB Filter
2019-12-24 02:14 UT (#732029-31)
12" LX200R (at f/10.4) + ST-10XME
Auto-guided using TS 80mm APO, ZWO ASI178MC & PHD2

Haro 3-75 - Detail

CCD Image (150% size, cropped)
taken through OptoLong L-eNhance dual-band filter
Image details as above

2019 Deep Sky Challenges

Dec 2019 Challenge : NGC 1407 Galaxy Group

Galaxy Group : NGC 1883, NGC 1893, NGC 1400, NGC 1407

NGC 1407 Galaxy Group (Eridanus)
NGC 1883, NGC 1893, NGC 1400, NGC 1407

NGC 1383 (Eridanus)

Annotated CCD Image (125% size, square root scale, cropped)
5 x 180s exposure (average combine), 3x3 binning, Clear Filter
2024-10-25 01:21 UT (#1259132-36)
12" LX200R (at f/10.4) + ST-10XME
Auto-guided using TS 80mm APO, ZWO ASI178MC & PHD2

NGC 1393 (Eridanus)
NGC 1407 Galaxy Group, Ast. Now Challenge, Dec 2019
[ Deep Sky Challanges (Ast.Now) ]

Annotated CCD Image (50% size, square root scale)
180s exposure (single frame), 3x3 binning, Clear Filter
2024-10-27 00:51 UT (#1260067)
12" LX200R (at f/10.4) + ST-10XME
Auto-guided using TS 80mm APO, ZWO ASI178MC & PHD2

NGC 1393 - Detail

CCD Image (150% size, square root scale, cropped)
Image details as above

NGC 1407 (Eridanus)
Alias: H I 107
Part of NGC 1407 Galaxy Group,
Ast. Now Challenge, Dec 2019
[ Herschel 400 Objects ]

Annotated CCD Image (50% size, square root scale)
5 x 180s exposure (average combine), 3x3 binning, Clear Filter
2024-10-10 01:31 UT (#1252141-45)
12" LX200R (at f/10.4) + ST-10XME
(Autoguided using TS 80mm APO + ZWO ASI178MC)

NGC 1400 (Eridanus)
Part of NGC 1407 Galaxy Group

Annotated CCD Image (50% size, square root scale)
5 x 180s exposure (average combine), 3x3 binning, Clear Filter
2024-10-10 02:47 UT (#1252162-66)
12" LX200R (at f/10.4) + ST-10XME
(Autoguided using TS 80mm APO + ZWO ASI178MC)

NGC 1400 - Detail

Annotated CCD Image (125% size, log scale, cropped)
Image details as above

Negative CCD Image (125% size, log scale, cropped)
Image details as above

NGC 1407 - Detail

Annotated CCD Image (125% size, log scale, cropped)
Image details as above

Negative CCD Image (125% size, log scale, cropped)
Image details as above

Nov 2019 Challenge : NGC 524 group of galaxies (LGG 23)

LGG 23 : NGC 489, 502, 505, 509, 516, 518, 522, 524, 525, 532

NGC 524 / H I-151 (Pisces)		NGC 524 with SN 2018Q - Earlier Image (2008)

CCD Image (100% size, log scale, cropped) 4 x 120s exposure (average combine), 3x3 binning, C Filter 2019-02-02 19:09 UT (#656036-40) 12" LX200R (at f/10.4) + ST-10XME Auto-guided using TS 80mm APO, ZWO ASI178MC & PHD2		Annotated CCD Image 3 x 120s exposure (av. combine), 2x2 binning, C Filter 2008-02-16 19:45h UT (#265059-62) 8" LX200 Classic (at f/7.4) +ST-7E 2008Q was a Type 1a Supernova discovered 2008/01/26.75 by Giancarlo Cortin at ~ mag +16.8 (Rochester Supernova site \| Discovery Image \| \| Later Image by Diego Rodriguez \| Reference Image) Image above (2008-02-16.82) was taken 21 days after discovery. Measured SN 2008Q magnitude +14.1 (C)

NGC 489 (Pisces)		NGC 489 - Detail

CCD Image (50% size, square root scale) 5 x 180s exposure (average combine), 3x3 binning, C Filter 2019-10-22 20:33 UT (#713042-46) 12" LX200R (at f/10.4) + ST-10XME Auto-guided using TS 80mm APO, ZWO ASI178MC & PHD2		CCD Image (100% size, square root scale, cropped) Image details as left

NGC 502 (Pisces)		NGC 502 - Detail

CCD Image (50% size, square root scale) 180s exposure (single frame), 3x3 binning, C Filter 2019-10-23 00:17 UT (#713231) 12" LX200R (at f/10.4) + ST-10XME Auto-guided using TS 80mm APO, ZWO ASI178MC & PHD2		CCD Image (100% size, square root scale, cropped) Image details as left

NGC 509 (Pisces)		NGC 509 - Detail

CCD Image (50% size, linear scale) 4 x 180s exposure (average combine), 3x3 binning, C Filter 2019-10-22 22:38 UT (#713150-54) 12" LX200R (at f/10.4) + ST-10XME Auto-guided using TS 80mm APO, ZWO ASI178MC & PHD2		CCD Image (100% size, linear scale, cropped) Image details as left

NGC 516 (Pisces)		NGC 516 - Detail

CCD Image (50% size, square root scale) 4 x 180s exposure (average combine), 3x3 binning, C Filter 2019-10-22 22:58 UT (#713158-62) 12" LX200R (at f/10.4) + ST-10XME Auto-guided using TS 80mm APO, ZWO ASI178MC & PHD2		CCD Image (100% size, square root scale, cropped) Image details as left

NGC 522 (Pisces) Flat Galaxy Atlas Object		NGC 522 - Detail

CCD Image (50% size, square root scale) 5 x 180s exposure (average combine), 3x3 binning, C Filter 2019-08-27 01:25 UT (#685178-82) 12" LX200R (at f/10.4) + ST-10XME Auto-guided using TS 80mm APO, ZWO ASI178MC & PHD2		CCD Image (100% size, square root scale, cropped) Image details as left

Oct 2019 Challenge : NGC 783 & NGC 785

NGC 783 (Triangulum)
Ast. Now Deep Sky Challenge Object, Oct 2019
Spiral Galaxy (NGC 783) and Lenticular Galaxy (NGC 785)

Annotated CCD Image (100% size, linear scale, cropped)
2 x 180s exposure (average combine), 3x3 binning, C Filter
2019-09-28 22:36 UT (#701011-12)
12" LX200R (at f/10.4) + ST-10XME
Auto-guided using TS 80mm APO, ZWO ASI178MC & PHD2

NGC 783 - Detail

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

Sep 2019 Challenge : NGC 1579 - Nebula ('Trifid of the North')

NGC 1579 (Perseus)
Trifid of the North

CCD Image (50% size, log scale)
7 x 120s exposure (average combine), 3x3 binning, C Filter
2019-08-29 02:03 UT (#686194-200)
12" LX200R (at f/10.4) + ST-10XME
Auto-guided using TS 80mm APO, ZWO ASI178MC & PHD2
[ Larger Size, 70% ]

Aug 2019 Challenge : IC 5217 - Planetary Nebula

IC 5217 (Lacerta)

CCD Image (50% size)
3 x 60s exposure (average combine), 3x3 binning, C Filter
2019-08-09 00:33 UT (#680152-56)
12" LX200R (at f/10.4) + ST-10XME
Auto-guided using TS 80mm APO, ZWO ASI178MC & PHD2

IC 5217 - Detail
Even at closer view IC 5217 looks very star like, and it is difficult to recognise that it is a planetary nebula.

CCD Image (150% size, linear scale, cropped)
Image details as above

IC 5217 - Spectra
Only when viewed with a spectral grating can IC 5217's planetary nebula characteristics be recognised
In the image below compare the spectra of IC 5217 (with two main emission lines)
with the broad emission spectra of a normal star

CCD Image (150% size, rotated, linear scale, cropped)
3 x 90s exposure (average combine), 3x3 binning, S Filter
2019-08-09 00:41 UT (#680158-61)
12" LX200R (at f/10.4) + ST-10XME
Auto-guided using TS 80mm APO, ZWO ASI178MC & PHD2

IC 5217 - Spectra Detail
Zero order spectra to left. First order spectra to right.

CCD Image (150% size, rotated, linear scale, cropped)
Image details as above

Jul 2019 Challenge : NGC 6426 - Globular Cluster

NGC 6426 / Herschel II-587 (Ophiuchus)
(Taken at Altitude 15.9, Airmass 3.6)

CCD Image (50% size)
4 x 60 sec exposure (average combine), 3x3 binning, C Filter
2018-08-24 00:12 UT (#621036-39)
12" LX200R (at f/10.4) + ST-10XME
Auto-guided using TS 80mm APO, ZWO ASI178MC & PHD2
(Average Guide Error 1.7" rms, PHD2)

NGC 6426 / Herschel II-587 - detail

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

Jun 2019 Challenge : NGC 6058 - Planetary Nebula

NGC 6058 (Hercules)

CCD Image (cropped)
3 x 45s sec exposure (average combine), 2x2 binning, C Filter
2012-10-15 19:40 h UT (#515094-96)
12" LX200R (at f/9.7) + ST-10XME

NGC 6058 - detailed view

CCD Image (250% size, linear scale, 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

May 2019 Challenge : NGC 5676 and its companions (LGG 384)

Loose group spread over 2 degrees of sky catalogued as LGG (Lyon Galaxy Group) 384.
Contains 11 galaxies, including NGC 5602,5660, 5673, 5676, 5682, 5689, 5693, 5707, 5624 & IC 1029.

NGC 5676 / Herschel I-189 (Bootes)

CCD Image (100% size, cropped)
5 x 120 sec exposure (average combine), 3x3 binning, C Filter
2018-09-08 20:46 UT (#627085-89)
12" LX200R (at f/10.4) + ST-10XME
Auto-guided using TS 80mm APO, ZWO ASI178MC & PHD2

Companion Galaxies in LGC 384

NGC 5602 (Bootes)		NGC 5624 (Bootes)

CCD Image (100% size, logscale, cropped) 5 x 180s exposure (average combine), 3x3 binning, C Filter 2019-08-26 23:47 UT (#685111-15) 12" LX200R (at f/10.4) + ST-10XME Auto-guided using TS 80mm APO, ZWO ASI178MC & PHD2		Annotated CCD Image (50% size, log scale) 5 x 180s exposure (average combine), 3x3 binning, C Filter 2019-08-31 21:50 UT (#687011-15) 12" LX200R (at f/10.4) + ST-10XME Auto-guided using TS 80mm APO, ZWO ASI178MC & PHD2

NGC 5660 (Bootes)		NGC 5673 (Bootes)

CCD Image (100% size, square root scale, cropped) 5 x 180s exposure (average combine), 3x3 binning, C Filter 2019-08-26 21:02 UT (#685003-07) 12" LX200R (at f/10.4) + ST-10XME Auto-guided using TS 80mm APO, ZWO ASI178MC & PHD2 [ annotated image ]		CCD Image (50% size, square root scale) 5 x 180s exposure (average combine), 3x3 binning, C Filter 2019-08-31 22:09 UT (#687019-23) 12" LX200R (at f/10.4) + ST-10XME Auto-guided using TS 80mm APO, ZWO ASI178MC & PHD2

NGC 5682 (Bootes)		NGC 5689 (Bootes)

CCD Image (100% size, linear scale, cropped) 4 x 180s exposure (average combine), 3x3 binning, C Filter 2019-08-28 22:52 UT (#686053-57) 12" LX200R (at f/10.4) + ST-10XME Auto-guided using TS 80mm APO, ZWO ASI178MC & PHD		CCD Image (100% size, logscale, cropped) 5 x 180s exposure (average combine), 3x3 binning, C Filter 2019-08-26 21:22 UT (#685010-14) 12" LX200R (at f/10.4) + ST-10XME Auto-guided using TS 80mm APO, ZWO ASI178MC & PHD2

NGC 5693 (Bootes)		NGC 5707 (Bootes)

CCD Image (100% size, linear scale, cropped) 5 x 180s exposure (average combine), 3x3 binning, C Filter 2019-10-01 21:51 UT (#703003-07) 12" LX200R (at f/10.4) + ST-10XME Auto-guided using TS 80mm APO, ZWO ASI178MC & PHD2		CCD Image (100% size, log scale, cropped) 4 x 180s exposure (average combine), 3x3 binning, C Filter 2019-08-25 21:08 UT (#684004-07) 12" LX200R (at f/10.4) + ST-10XME Auto-guided using TS 80mm APO, ZWO ASI178MC & PHD2

IC 1029 (Bootes) Bright star to left of field is GSC 3476:134 (mag +10

CCD Image (100% size, log scale, cropped) 5 x 180s exposure (average combine), 3x3 binning, C Filter 2019-08-26 00:45 UT (#684048-52) 12" LX200R (at f/10.4) + ST-10XME Auto-guided using TS 80mm APO, ZWO ASI178MC & PHD2

Apr 2019 Challenge : NGC 3690 - Interacting Galaxies (ARP 299)

NGC 3690 / ARP 299 (Ursa Major)

Annotated CCD Image (Linear Scaled, 100% size, cropped)
5 x 90s sec exposure (average combine), 3x3 binning, C Filter
2014-12-04 01:35 h UT (#574426-30)
12" LX200R (at f/10.4) + ST-10XME

ARP 299 - detail

CCD Image
(Log Scaled, 150% size, cropped)
Image details as above

Mar 2019 Challenge : NGC 3684 - Spiral Galaxy

Forms small group of galaxies along with NGC 3681, NGC 3686 & NGC 3691

NGC 3684 (Leo)

CCD Image (100% size, square root scale, cropped)
5 x 180s exposure (average combine), 3x3 binning, C Filter
2019-02-23 22:04 UT (#667024-28)
12" LX200R (at f/10.4) + ST-10XME
Auto-guided using TS 80mm APO, ZWO ASI178MC & PHD2

NGC 3681 (Leo)

CCD Image (100% size, square root scale, cropped)
5 x 180s exposure (average combine), 3x3 binning, C Filter
2019-11-18 05:08 UT (#722328-32)
12" LX200R (at f/10.4) + ST-10XME
Auto-guided using TS 80mm APO, ZWO ASI178MC & PHD2

NGC 3686 (Leo)

CCD Image (100% size, liner scale
5 x 3 min exposure (average combine), 2x2 binning, C Filter
2008-02-16 03:45 h UT (#264455-59)
8" LX200 + ST-7E

Feb 2019 Challenge : NGC 2585 - Spiral Galaxy

Near M48 open cluster in Hydra, NGC 2584 and 2585 are probably a physical pair. MCG-1-22-6 & MCG-1-22-7 in same field and probably not connected to NGC 2585

NGC 2585 (Hydra)

Yet to be imaged

Jan 2019 Challenge : ??

Jan 2019 has temporarily been mislaid

Target

Yet to be imaged

2018 Deep Sky Challenges

Dec 2018 Challenge : NGC 1700 - Elliptical Galaxy

Galaxy in Eridanus (NGC 1700 and neighbouring faint galaxy NGC 1699) .

NGC 1700 & NGC 1699 (Eridanus)

CCD Image (50% size)
5 x 180s exposure ( average combine), 3x3 binning, C Filter
2018-12-05 00:17UT (#640173-77)
12" LX200R (at f/10.4) + ST-10XME
(Autoguided on a guide star using TS 80mm APO + ZWO ASI178MC)

NGC 1700 - Detail

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

NGC 1699 - Detail

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

Nov 2018 Challenge : NGC 1052 Galaxy Group

Number of galaxies in NGC 1052 Galaxy Group, including NGC 1035, NGC 1042, NGC 1048 & NGC 1052

NGC 1035 (Cetus)

CCD Image (50% size, linear scale)
5 x 180s exposure (average combine), 3x3 binning, C Filter
2018-10-20 23:56h UT (#632258-62)
12" LX200R (at f/10.4) + ST-10XME
Auto-guided using TS 80mm APO, ZWO ASI178MC & PHD2

NGC 1035 - detail

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

NGC 1042 (Cetus)

CCD Image (50% size, Linear Scale)
5 x 180s exposure ( average combine), 3x3 binning, C Filter
2018-11-30 23:58 UT (#638053-57)
12" LX200R (at f/10.4) + ST-10XME
(Autoguided on a guide star using TS 80mm APO + ZWO ASI178MC)

NGC 1042 - Detail

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

NGC 1048 (Cetus)
Image affected by moonlight and will be repeated under better conditions
a) NGC 1048A / PGC 10137 (catalog mag +15.4)
b) NGC 1048B / PGC 10140 (catalog mag +15.4)

CCD Image (100% size, cropped)
5 x 180 sec exposure (average combine), 3x3 binning, C Filter
2018-10-21 00:44 UT (#632282-86)
12" LX200R (at f/10.4) + ST-10XME
Auto-guided using TS 80mm APO, ZWO ASI178MC & PHD2

NGC 1052 / Herschel I-63 (Cetus)

CCD Image (50% size, Linear Scale)
3 x 180s exposure ( average combine), 3x3 binning, C Filter
2018-11-30 23:28 UT (#638032-34)
12" LX200R (at f/10.4) + ST-10XME
(Autoguided on a guide star using TS 80mm APO + ZWO ASI178MC)

NGC 1052 / Herschel I-63 - Detail

Oct 2018 Challenge : NGC 1

NGC 1 & NGC 2 (Pegasus)

Annotated CCD Image (cropped)
5 x 90s sec exposure (average combine), 3x3 binning, C Filter
2012-10-15 22:41 h UT (#515292-96)
12" LX200R (at f/9.7) + ST-10XME

Sep 2018 Challenge : NGC 6804 - Planetary Nebula (PLN 45- 4.1)

NGC 6804 / PLN 45- 4.1 (Aquila)

NGC 6804 / PLN 45- 4.1 - detail

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

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

NGC 6804 / PLN 45- 4.1 - Spectroscopy

Aug 2018 Challenge : Minkowski 1-79

Minkowski 1 - 79 / PLN 93-2.1 (Cygnus)
Planetary Nebula, near M39

CCD Image (100% size, cropped)
7 x 30 sec exposure (average combine), 3x3 binning, C Filter
2018-08-08 01:21 UT (#617019-25)
12" LX200R (at f/10.4) + ST-10XME

Minkowski 1-79 / PLN 93-2.1 - Detail

Jul 2018 Challenge : IC 1276

IC 1276 (Serpens Cauda)
Globular Cluster

CCD Image (75% size, cropped)
12 x 10s exposure (average combine), 3x3 binning, C Filter
2012-10-21 19:55 hUT (#517025-42)
12" LX200R (at f/9.7) + ST-10XME

Jun 2018 Challenge : NGC 6166 & Abell 2199

NGC 6166 (Hercules)
with surrounding members of Abell 2199

CCD Image (100% size, cropped , square root scale)
4 x 180s exposure (average combine), 3x3 binning, C Filter
Unguided Image
2018-05-17 00:25 h UT (#610058-61)
12" LX200R (at f/10.4) + ST-10XME

May 2018 Challenge : ARP286 (Galaxy Trio)

ARP 286 / NGC 5560, NGC 5566 & NGC 5569 (Virgo)
NGC 5566, (Catalog Mag +11.4), NGC 5560 (catalog mag +12.4),
NGC 5569 (catalog mag +13.7)

Annotated CCD Image (negative)
3 x 2 min (average combine), clear filter
2005-05-18 00:26 h UT (#87103-05)
8" LX200 Classic + ST-7E

Apr 2018 Challenge : Hickson 58 (Galaxy Group)

Hickson 58 (Border of Leo & Virgo)
NGC 3817 (catalog mag +14.3), NGC 3819 (catalog mag +14.9),
NGC 3820 (catalog mag +14.5), NGC 3822 (catalog mag +12.8),
NGC 3825 (catalog mag +12.8), PGC 1377390 (catalog mag +16.8), P
GC 1377160 (catalog mag +17.1)

Annotated CCD Image (50% size)
2 x 90s exposure (average combine), 3x3 binning, C Filter
2013-03-11 23:45hUT (#541388-92)
12" LX200R (at f/9.7) + ST-10XME
[ Full Size Image ]

Hickson 58 - negative view

Negative CCD Image (50% size)
Image details as above

Mar 2018 Challenge : NGC 3169 Galaxy Group

NGC 3169 Galaxy Group / LGG 192 (Sextans)
with NGC 3166, NGC 3169 and NGC 3165
(2 other members of galaxy group
NGC 3156 and UGC 5539 are not shown)

Annotated CCD Image
5 x 180s exposure (average combine), 2x2 binning, C filter
2007-03-13 01:02h UT (#182322-26)
8" LX200 Classic + ST-7E

Feb 2018 Challenge : Minkowski 1-18, OH 231.8+4.2 & NGC 2438
(Three Planetary Nebulae near or within M46)

NGC 2438 (Puppis)
(sits in M46)

CCD Image
2 x 60s exposure (average combine),
2x2 binning, C Filter, Linear Scale
2007-12-06 21:29 hUT (#239203-05)
8" LX200 Classic + ST-7E

NGC 2438 - detail

Annotated CCD Image (250% size)
Image details as above

OH 231.8+4.2 (Puppis)
Calabash Nebula / Rotten Egg Nebula
Lying just east of NGC 2438 is a small faint nebula
known as the Calabash Nebula, whose position is marked by
a white circle in the image below
(The Calabash Nebula is a name which is sometimes
mistakenly associated with NGC 2438, but they are different objects)

Annotated CCD Image
Image details as above
[ Calabash Nebula - Information ]

Jan 2018 Challenge : NGC 2242 Planetary Nebula

Jan 2018 challenge object is a very faint planetary nebula in Auriga (Mag +15.1 with a +17.6 mag central star). Discovered in 1886 and was thought to be a galaxy until a study published in 1987 showed it to be a planetary nebula.

NGC 2242 (Auriga)

Annotated CCD Image (50% size)
5 x 60s exposure (average combine), 3x3 binning, C Filter
2017-12-22 04:04h UT (#608097-101)
12" LX200R (at f/10.4) + ST-10XME
(Autoguided using TS 80mm APO + ZWO ASI178MC)

NGC 2242 - Detail
(Note: Poor Sky/Scope Transparency)

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

Deep Sky Challenges (List)

2017 Deep Sky Challenges

Dec 2017 Challenge : NGC 1600 Galaxy Group

NGC 1600 Galaxy Group (Eridanus)
( NGC 1600 Catalog Mag +12.0, NGC 1601 Catalog Mag +15.0,
NGC 1603 Catalog Mag +15.0, NGC 1606 Catalog Mag +14.9,
PGC 177545 Catalog Mag +16.1 )

Annotated CCD Image (50% size)
7 x 180s exposure (average combine), 3x3 binning, C Filter
2017-12-13 20:59h UT (#607025-31)
12" LX200R (at f/10.4) + ST-10XME
(Autoguided using TS 80mm APO + ZWO ASI178MC)
[ 100% size ]

NGC 1600 Galaxy Group - Detail

Negative CCD Image (50% size)
Image details as above

Nov 2017 Challenge : NGC 936 & NGC 941 (The Tie Fighter Galaxy)

Galaxy pairing of NGC 936 (lenticular galaxy) and NGC 941 (open spiral galaxy).

NGC 936 & NGC 941 (Cetus)

CCD Image (50% size)
5 x 120s exposure (average combine), 3x3 binning, C Filter
2017-12-13 20:08h UT (#607006-11)
12" LX200R (at f/10.4) + ST-10XME
(Autoguided using TS 80mm APO + ZWO ASI178MC)

NGC 936 & NGC 941 - Detail

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

Oct 2017 Challenge : NGC 100 - Edge On Spiral Galaxy

This super-thin galaxy in Pisces

NGC 100 (Pisces)

CCD Image (50% size)
7 x 180s exposure (average combine), 3x3 binning, C Filter
2017-12-13 21:40h UT (#607041-47)
12" LX200R (at f/10.4) + ST-10XME
(Autoguided using TS 80mm APO + ZWO ASI178MC)

NGC 100 - detail

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

Sep 2017 Challenge : NGC 7094

This is apparently one of the most challenging planetary nebulae to observe in the NGC catalogue.

Image below were taken in Nov 2017 under near full moon conditions. The planetary nebula is just about visible. Total exposure time is 2 minutes.

(Earlier attempts to image NGC 7094 were made in 2004 and again in 2007 with 8" LX200 and CCD Camera. Although the mag +13.6 central star could be easily seen, the planetary nebula could not be detected in images of 6 minutes total exposure time). )

NGC 7094 (Pegasus)
Nebula is present but very faint

CCD Image (50% size)
4 x 30s exposure (average combine), 3x3 binning, C Filter
2017-11-02 19:07h UT (#603045-54)
12" LX200R (at f/10.4) + ST-10XME

NGC 7094 - detail

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

Aug 2017 Challenge : NGC 6772 - Planetary Nebula

NGC 6772 (Aquila)

CCD Image (100% size, cropped)
2 x 60s exposure (average combine), 3x3 binning, C Filter
2017-11-02 18:42h UT (#603022-25)
12" LX200R (at f/10.4) + ST-10XME

Jul 2017 Challenge : Abell 43 - Planetary Nebula (PLN 36+17.1)

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)
Contrast adjusted
Image details as above

Jun 2017 Challenge : NGC 6535 - Globular Cluster

NGC 6535 (Serpens Cauda)

CCD Image (50% size)
4 x 30s exposure (average combine), 3x3 binning, C Filter
2017-11-02 18:34h UT (#603012-17)
12" LX200R (at f/10.4) + ST-10XME

May 2017 Challenge : NGC 4216 - Spiral Galaxy ('Silver Streak Galaxy', H I-35)

NGC 4216 (Virgo)
NGC 4216 (catalog mag +10.9) with adjacent galaxies:
PGC 39247 (catalog mag +15.6), PGC 1425156 (catalog mag +18.0)

Annotated CCD Image (100% size, log scale, cropped)
5 x 180s exposure (average combine), 3x3 binning, C Filter
2020-01-01 01:33 UT (#734415-19)
12" LX200R (at f/10.4) + ST-10XME
Auto-guided using TS 80mm APO, ZWO ASI178MC & PHD2

CCD Image (92% size, log scale, cropped, rotated)
Image details as above

Apr 2017 Challenge : ARP 270 - Interacting Galaxy Pair (NGC 3395/3396)

ARP 270 / NGC 3395 & 3396 (Leo Minor)
(alias Herschel H116-1)

Annotated CCD Image
7 x 2 min exposure (average combine), 2x2 binning, C Filter
2008-02-12 02:28 hUT (#262277-83)
8" LX200R Classic + ST-7E

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

Mar 2017 Challenge : Hickson 51 - Galaxy Group (NGC 3651 et al)

Hickson 51 (Leo)
NGC 3651, NGC 3653, IC 2759

Annotated CCD Image (cropped)
120 sec exposure (single frame), 3x3 binning, C Filter
2011-05-01 23:23 h UT (#474094)
12" LX200R (at f/9.7) + ST-10XME

Feb 2017 Challenge : Minkowski 1-7 - Planetary Nebula (PLN 189+7.1)

Minkowski 1-7 / PLN 189+7.1 (Gemini)

CCD Image (50% size, Linear Scaling)
5 x 60s exposure (average combine), 3x3 binning, C Filter
2017-12-13 22:04h UT (#607052-66)
12" LX200R (at f/10.4) + ST-10XME
(Autoguided using TS 80mm APO + ZWO ASI178MC)

PLN 189+7.1 - detail

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

Jan 2017 Challenge : NGC 1535, M79, NGC 2359 (Thor's Helmet), Abell 10

1) NGC 1535 (Eridanus)
Planetary Nebula (Cleopatra's Eye)

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

2) M79 (Lepus)
Globular Cluster
Dec -24d 31m taken at altitude 7 deg (airmass 7.6)

CCD Image (linear scale, 50% size scaling)
7 x 15 sec exposure (average combine), 3x3 binning, R Filter
2009-11-09 01:20 h UT (#397790-96)
12" LX200R (at f/5.7) + ST-10XME

M79 - detail

CCD Image (logscale, cropped)
Image details as above

3) NGC 2359 (Canes Major)
Wolf-Rayet (WR) Shell, known as Thor's Helmet
Taken at 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)
8" LX200 + ST-7E

NGC 2359 - detail

Negative CCD Image (Linear Scale)
Image details as above

4) Abell 10 (Orion)
Planetary Nebula, also known as
Kohoutek 1-7 & PLN 197-14.1

Not yet imaged

2016 Deep Sky Challenges

Dec 2016 Challenge : Baade 1 - Planetary Nebula

Not yet imaged.

Nov 2016 Challenge : NGC 672

NGC 672 (Triangulum)

CCD Image (cropped)
3 x 60 sec exposure (average combine), 3x3 binning, C Filter
2009-12-10 23:43 h UT (#403170-72)
12" LX200R (at f/5.7) + ST-10XME

NGC 672 and adjacent galaxies
NGC 672 (top) - catalog mag +10.7
IC 1727 (bottom right) - catalog mag +12.1
PGC 1803573 (bottom) - catalog mag +16.2

CCD Image
Image details as above
[Full Size Image]

Oct 2016 Challenge : The Skull Nebula (NGC 246)

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

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

Sep 2016 Challenge : Galaxy Groups in Andromeda (NGC 48 and NGC 80 groups)

NGC 48 Galaxy Group (Andromeda)
NGC 48, 49 & 51
bright star is +10.4 mag star GSC 3251:412

CCD Image (cropped)
2 x 180s sec exposure (average combine), 3x3 binning, C Filter
2011-01-29 20:03 h UT (#451057-58)
12" LX200R (at f/9.7) + ST-10XME

NGC 48 Galaxy Group - detail

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

Part of NGC 80 Galaxy Group (Andromeda)
NGC 83, 90, 91 and 91
(Note. NGC 80 and several other members of the galaxy group are out of frame)

Annotated CCD Image
180 sec, 2x2 binning, C Filter
2007-12-14 22:47hUT (#242060)

Negative CCD Image
Image details as above

Aug 2016 Challenge : Abell 55 - Planetary Nebula (PLN 33-5.1)

Abell 55 (Aquila)
DeepSky Challenge Object - Aug 2016
Location of Abell 55 is marked by white circle

Annotated CCD Image (50% size)
3 x 60s exposure (average combine), 3x3 binning, C Filter
2019-08-26 22:14 UT (#685049-51)
12" LX200R (at f/10.4) + ST-10XME
Auto-guided using TS 80mm APO, ZWO ASI178MC & PHD2

Abell 55 - Closer View
Processed Image centered on Abell 55 location.
Faint sign of the Pl.Neb is visible in centre of image
(shows itself by being a little darker and less noisy than rest of image background)

Negative CCD Image (100% size, logscale, 80% gamma correction, cropped)
Image details as above
[ Standard linear scale Image ]

Jul 2016 Challenge : No offical deep-sky challenge object this month

No official deep-sky challenge in Jul 2016 magazine, but Abell 45 (PK 020-00.1) was presented as a challenge for observers and imagers with access to big telescopes and dark skies, within the 'Constellation of the Month' section (Scutum).

Abell 45 (Scutum)
Ast. Now Challenge Object, Jul 2016

No sign of Pl.Neb in this image (total exposure time 5 mins)
Expected position of Abell 45 is shown by white circle

Annotated CCD Image (50% size)
5 x 60s exposure (average combine), 3x3 binning, C Filter
2019-09-01 23:00 UT (#688118-22)
12" LX200R (at f/10.4) + ST-10XME
Auto-guided using TS 80mm APO, ZWO ASI178MC & PHD2

Jun 2015 Challenge : No challenge object this month

May 2016 Challenge : Globular Clusters in Coma Berenices (M53, NGC 5053 & NGC 4147)

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

NGC 5053 (Coma Berenices)

CCD Image
5 x 3 min exposure (average combine), 2x2 binning, C Filter
2006-12-02 06:23h UT (#156060-64)
8" LX200 Classic + ST-7E

NGC 5053 (Coma Berenices)

Not yet imaged

Apr 2016 Challenge : Palomar 4

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 (50% size)
4 x 90 sec exposure (average combine), 3x3 binning, C Filter
2013-04-01 21:35hUT (#544076-80)
12" LX200R (at f/9.7) + ST-10XME

Pal 4 - detail

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

Mar 2016 Challenge : Hickson 61 (NGC 4169 et al)

May needs re-imaging using my 12" LX200 scope to capture more detail.

Hickson 61 (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)
8" LX200 Classic + ST-7E

Feb 2016 Challenge : Abell 24 (PLN 217+14.1)

Very faint in this 2007 image taken with 8" SCT. Needs re-imaging using my 12" LX200 scope.

Abell 24 / PLN 217+14.1 (Canis Minor)

CCD Image
5 x 120s exposure (average combine), 2x2 binning, C filter,
2007-02-17 21:51h UT (#176124-28)
8" LX200 Classic + ST-7E

Jan 2016 Challenge : Galaxy Group in Orion (NGC 1684 et al)

Needs re-imaging using my 12" LX200 scope to capture wider area and more detail.

Galaxy Group in Orion (Orion)

NGC 1682 Elliptical Galaxy (catalog mag +14.5),
NGC 1683 Spiral Galaxy (catalog mag +14.7),
NGC 1684 Elliptical Galaxy (catalog mag +12.0)

CCD Image
3x60s exposure (average combine), C Filter
2004-11-02 01:58h UT (#73145-47)
8" LX200 Classic + ST-7E

2015 Deep Sky Challenges

Dec 2015 Challenge : The Jellyfish Nebula (IC 443, 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]

Nov 2015 Challenge : Hind's Variable Nebula (NGC 1555)

NGC 1555 - "Hind's Variable Nebula" (Taurus)
The Nebula is also known as
"Struve's Lost Nebula" and "Burnham's Nebula"
The adjacent bright star is variable star T Tau
[ NGC 1555 Page ]

CCD Image (110% size, cropped)
5 x 90s exposure (average combine),
3x3 binning, C Filter, Linear brightness scaling
2014-10-29 01:20hUT (#566493-97)
12" LX200R (at f/9.7) + ST-10XME

Hind's Variable Nebula - 2012-11-18

CCD Image (110% size, cropped)
5 x 90s exposure (average combine),
3x3 binning, C Filter, Linear brightness scaling
2012-11-18 00:07 hUT (#526377-81)
12" LX200R (at f/9.7) + ST-10XME

Oct 2015 Challenge : Local Galaxy Wolf-Lundmark - Melotte (WLM, UGCA 444)

PGC 143 / WLM / UGCA 444 (Cetus)

CCD Image (50% size)
7 x 90 sec exposure (average combine), 3x3 binning, C Filter
2012-11-02 21:30 h UT (#520187-93)
12" LX200RÂ (at f/9.7) + ST-10XME

PGC 143 / WLM / UGCA 444 - alternate view

Negative CCD Image (50% size)
Image details as above

Sep 2015 Challenge : The Little Cocoon (Shapeless 82, Sh2-82)

Shapeless 82, Sh2-82 (Sagitta)

Not yet imaged

Aug 2015 Challenge : Sharpless 2-71 - Planetary Nebula

Jul 2015 Challenge : No challenge object this month

Jun 2015 Challenge : No challenge object this month

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

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

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

Feb 2015 Challenge : NGC 2835 - Spiral Galaxy

NGC 2835 (Hydra)
Image taken at altitude of only 6.5 deg, galaxy is only just visible due to
high airmass (8.2) and bright moonlight (87% phase)
(At Declination -22d 21m, the highest altitude reached by the galaxy at my site is 10.25 deg)

Annotated CCD Image (55% scale)
9 x 30s exposure (average combine), 3x3 binning, C Filter
2016-02-19 01:34h UT (#597188-98)
12" LX200R (at f/10.4) + ST-10XME

Jan 2015 Challenge : IC 342 Spiral Galaxy

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

IC 342 - detail

Negative CCD Image (60% size reduction, Enhanced Gamma Scale)
Image details as above

Nearby extra challenge : UGC 2826 distant galaxy

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

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

M33 showing named HII regions (Triangulum)

Annotated CCD Image Mosaic (75% size)
3 min exposure (average combine), 2x2 binning, C Filter
Rotated & Cropped
2006-11-16 22:24 h UT (#152233-45)
(Un-annotated Image, 75% size)

See web page with further information on the H II regions and star clusters in M33 by Steve Gottlieb
http://www.astronomy-mall.com/Adventures.In.Deep.Space/M33.HII-Star.Clouds.html

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

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

Aug 2014 Challenge : NGC 6842 - Planetary Nebula

NGC 6842 (Vulpecula)

Annotated CCD Image (cropped)
3 x 120s exposure (average combine), 3x3 binning, C Filter
2014-11-23 20:10hUT (#571048-52)
12" LX200R (at f/10.4) + ST-10XME

NGC 6842 - wider view

CCD Image (50% size)
Image details as above

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

Jun 2014 Challenge : IC 1296 - Spiral Galaxy

IC 1296 (Lyra)
Spiral Galaxy, Mag +14.3, lying 4 arc min NW of M57

CCD Image (cropped)
3 x 60s exposure (average combine), 2x2 binning, C Filter
2009-07-24 22:49 h UT (#376004-06)
12" LX200R (at f/5.7) + ST-10XME

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]

Apr 2014 Challenge : M68 - Globular Cluster

M68 (Hydra)
Declination -26d 44m / Altitude +5d 44m
33,000 light years distance from Solar System

CCD Image (cropped to central area)
5 x 30s sec exposure (average combine), 3x3 binning, C Filter
2009-05-11 21:54 h UT (#368017-21)
12" LX200R (at f/5.7) + ST-10XME

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)

Abell 33 / PLN 238+34.1 (Hydra)
Planetary Nebula is unfortunately not visible in the image due to the object's very low
surface brightness and prevailing bright moonlight (87% phase).
The catalogue position and extent of the Pl.Neb is shown by the white circle.
The bright star directly south of the nebula is the mag +7.2 star HIP 47369.

Annotated CCD Image (50% scale)
5 x 30s exposure (average combine), 3x3 binning, C Filter
2016-02-19 01:47h UT (#597206-13)
12" LX200R (at f/10.4) + ST-10XME

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

NGC 3242 (Hydra)

Annotated CCD Image (53% size reduction)
3 x 20s exposure (average combine), 3x3 binning, C Filter
2009-03-21 22:16 h UT (#358071-73)
12" LX200R (at f/5.7) + ST-10XME

NGC 3242 - detail

CCD Image (Log brightness scaling, cropped to central area)
Image details as above

CCD Image (cropped to central area)
3 x 20s sec exposure (average combine), 1x1 binning, C Filter
Frames aligned using AIP4WIN Planetary Align Function
2009-03-21 22:15 h UT (#358068-70)
12" LX200R (at f/5.7) + ST-10XME

Jan 2014 Challenge : Jonckheere 320 - Planetary Nebula (J320, PLN 190-17.1)

PLN 190-17.1 \ Jonckheere 320 (Orion)

Annotated CCD Image (50% size, linear scale)
5 x 60s exposure (average combine), 3x3 binning, C Filter
2019-08-27 03:26 UT (#685254-58)
12" LX200R (at f/10.4) + ST-10XME
Auto-guided using TS 80mm APO, ZWO ASI178MC & PHD2

PLN 190-17.1 \ Jonckheere 320 - Detail
PLN 190-17.1 appears stellar-like but is slightly elongated
compared to normal stars within the same image
( Insert shows enlarged view x2.5)

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

PLN 190-17.1 \ Jonckheere 320 - Spectra
PLN 190-17.1 reveals itself as a Pl.Neb in this image taken through
Star Analyser 100 grating, where it shows two classic emission peaks.
Compare this with the broad spectra of normal stars

CCD Image (100% size, rotated, cropped)
5 x 90s exposure (average combine), 3x3 binning, S Filter
2019-08-27 03:33 UT (#685259-63)
12" LX200R (at f/10.4) + ST-10XME
Auto-guided using TS 80mm APO, ZWO ASI178MC & PHD2

2013 Deep Sky Challenges

Dec 2013 Challenge : SH2-301 - Diffused Nebula

Canis Major, near Sirius

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)

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

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

Hickson 10 / NGC 536 et al (Andromeda)
NGC 536 - Spiral Galaxy (catalog mag +13.2)
NGC 531 - Spiral Galaxy (catalog +14.9)
NGC 542 - Spiral Galaxy (catalog mag +14.8)

Annotated CCD Image (cropped)
5 x 90 sec exposure (average combine), 3x3 binning, C Filter
2012-11-02 22:59 h UT (#520337-41)
12" LX200R (at f/9.7) + ST-10XME

Hickson 10 / NGC 536 et al - wider view

CCD Image (50% size)
Image details as above

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)

Jul 2013 Challenge - QSO PG 1634+704 - Quasar

QSO PG 1634+704 (Draco)
70d 31.55m - north of normal North Limit

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

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

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)

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)

Feb 2013 Challenge - NGC 2440

NGC 2440 / H IV-64 (Puppis)

CCD Image (50% size, Linear Scale)
5 x 30s exposure (average combine), 3x3 binning, C Filter
2019-02-26 20:22 UT (#669076-82)
12" LX200R (at f/10.4) + ST-10XME
Auto-guided using TS 80mm APO, ZWO ASI178MC & PHD2

NGC 2440 - Detail
( Ast. Now Deep Sky Challenge Object, Feb 2013 )

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

NGC 2440 - Spectra
(taken with Star Analyser 100)

CCD Image (100% size, rotated, cropped)
6 x 30s exposure (average combine), 3x3 binning, S Filter
2019-02-26 20:41 UT (#669098-104)
12" LX200R (at f/10.4) + ST-10XME
Auto-guided using TS 80mm APO, ZWO ASI178MC & PHD2

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

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

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

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

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

Du 1 (Cygnus) Location of Du 1 is shown by white circle.		Du 1 (attempt) - Detail No sign of the presumptive planetary nebula in this image (4 min total exposure time)

Annotated CCD Image (50% size) 4 x 60s exposure (average combine), 3x3 binning, C Filter 2019-08-21 01:24 UT (#681035-38) 12" LX200R (at f/10.4) + ST-10XME Auto-guided using TS 80mm APO, ZWO ASI178MC & PHD2		Negative CCD Image (150% size, cropped) Image details as left

Du 1 - reference image HaRGB Composite with 9 hour total exposure time http://www.capella-observatory.com/ImageHTMLs/PNs/Du1.htm Original image cropped and reduced to the same size as my b/w image to left		Du 1 (attempt) - Detail Stacked Image with 4 min total exposure time No sign of the presumptive planetary nebula in this image

HaRGB Composite image (cropped) Skinakas Observatory, Crete, 2011 60 cm instrument + SBIG STX16803 Credit : Josef Pöpsel & Stefan Binnewies (Germany) http://www.capella-observatory.com/		CCD Image (150% size, cropped) Image details as above left

Kn 61 (Lyra) (alias Soccer Ball Nebula, SDSSJ192138.93+381857.2) Location of Kn 61 is shown by white circle. The relatively bright star in centre of image and near the Kn 61 location is GSC 3134:1188 (mag +10.45)		Kn 61 (further image)

Annotated CCD Image (50% size) 5 x 120s exposure (average combine), 3x3 binning, C Filter 2019-08-22 21:16 UT (#683003-09) 12" LX200R (at f/10.4) + ST-10XME Auto-guided using TS 80mm APO, ZWO ASI178MC & PHD2		Annotated CCD Image (50% size, square root scale) 9 x 180s exposure (average combine), 3x3 binning, C Filter 2022-04-23 02:09 UT (#1003098-107) 12" LX200R (at f/10.4) + ST-10XME Auto-guided using TS 80mm APO, ZWO ASI178MC & PHD2

Kn 61 (attempt) - Detail No sign of the faint planetary nebula in this image (10 min total exposure time)		Kn 61 (attempt) - Detail The relatively bright star in centre of image and near the Kn 61 location is GSC 3134:1188 (mag +10.45)

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

Reference Image : Long Exposure LOIII-RGB-Composite Images of Kn61 see http://www.capella-observatory.com/ImageHTMLs/PNs/Kn61.htm		Kn 61 (further attempt) - Detail No sign of the faint planetary nebula in this image (27 min total exposure time)

Image modifications : resize, negative, gamma, grey scale		Negative CCD Image (100% size, square root scale, cropped) 9 x 180s exposure (average combine), 3x3 binning, C Filter 2022-04-23 02:09 UT (#1003098-107) 12" LX200R (at f/10.4) + ST-10XME Auto-guided using TS 80mm APO, ZWO ASI178MC & PHD2

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)

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

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)

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

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

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

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

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)

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

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

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

Sep 2011 Challenge : Seeing southerly stars

The challenge in September 2011 edition of Astronomy Now was to try to see the most southerly possible star from the observers latitude.

To try to keep with the original 'Deep Sky' theme for the challenge series, I've interpreted this challenge as an attempt to image the most southerly possible deep sky object from my Aberdeenshire observatory. My latitude (57° 19'), makes it impossible to see any object with Declination more south than -32° 41'. But even objects of Declination -32° to -30° are a real challenge to see due to the high airmass & occlusion by low haze/distant clouds. So far the most southerly deep sky object I've imaged is M83 at a declination of -29° 52' (2000).

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

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

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)

Jun 2011 Challenge :

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 ]

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]

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

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

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)

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)

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%]

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)

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

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

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

Very faint object / very challenging in Cygnus: Notes/images of PN G75.5+1.7 by discoverer of the object : Dave Jurasevichf20h 15m 22s.2, Decl. = +38d 02' 58" (equinox 2000.0); near GSC 3151:2738

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

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

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

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)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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%]

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

May 2009 Challenge : NGC 5997 ?

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

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)

Feb 2009 Challenge : Simeis 147 - Supernovae Remnant

Jan 2009 Challenge : No challenge given in Jan 2009 Edition

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

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)

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

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)

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

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)

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)

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)

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)

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

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

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

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]

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

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)

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)

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

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

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)

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

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

Oct 2006 Challenge : Palomar 1 - Globular Cluster

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

Dwingeloo 1 was imaged in late 2009, Dwingeloo 2 has been imaged yet.

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

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)

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

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)

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

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

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)

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]

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

Deep Sky Challenges (List)

List of deep sky challenge objects in Astronomy Now magazine (2006-2024+).

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

Magazine Date	Object	Note	Constellation	Type	Notes
2024
Nov	NGC 410		Psc	Galaxy Group	NGC 407, NGC 410, NGC 414
Oct	Hu 1-2		Peg	Planetary Nebula	Pl.Neb, Humason 1-2, PN G086.5 08.8
Sep	NGC 6778		Aql	Planetary Nebula	Pl.Neb looking like a mini M76. A Dark Nebula (LDN 619) lies 10' north of NGC 6778
Aug	NGC 6712		Sct	Globular Cluster	Nearby (but not quite same fov) are the planetary nebulae IC 1295 (24' offset) & K 4-8 (? PLN 25-4.1 / PK 25-4.1, 18' offset)
Jul	NGC 6804		Aql	Planetary Nebula	Also smaller pl.neb NGC 6803 (6" diam) less than 1 deg north of NGC 6804. (NGC 6804 was previously the Deep Sky Challenge object in Sep 2018 edition of Ast.Now magazine)
Jun	ARP 91		Ser	Interacting Galaxies	NGC 5953 & NGC 5954
May	NGC 5466		Boo	Globular Cluster	Very loose globular cluster
Apr	NGC 2708		Hyd	Spiral Galaxy	Also contains two ultra diffuse (UDF) dwarf galaxies
Mar	NGC 3044		Sex	Spiral Galaxy	Alias: UGC 5311
Feb	IC 2165		CMi	Planetary Nebula	Small Nebula
Jan	Jonckheere 900		Gem	Planetary Nebula	Small with mag 17.8 central star

2023
Dec	IC 418		Lep	Planetary Nebula	'Spirograph Nebula', 'Raspberry Nebula'
Nov	NGC 128 Galaxy Group		Psc	Galaxy Group (6 NGC galaxies) (Part of galaxy group LGG 6)	NGC 125, 126, 127, 128, 130 LGG 6 (12 members including the 6 NGC galaxies above, plus MCG+0-2-45.)
Oct	NGC 7385 Galaxy Group		Peg	Galaxy Group (Part of galaxy cluster ZwCI 2247.3+1107 (162 members) )	WBL 688 Group (326 mly distance) with 6 members : NGC 7385, 7386, 7383, 7389, 7387 & 7390. The two brightest members ( NGC 7385 & NGC 7386) were discovered by William Herschel
Sep	NGC 6934		Del	Globular Cluster	Member of Herschel 400 list
Aug	NGC 6891		Del	Planetary Nebula	Discovered by Ralph Copeland at Dun Echt, Aberdeenshire
Jul	NGC 6369 Little Ghost Nebula		Oph	Planetary Nebula	Alias: H IV 11
June	NGC 5903 & 5898		Lib	Low lying Galaxy Pair	Part of LGG 398 Galaxy Group Both members of Herschel 300 List http://www.messier.seds.org/xtra/similar/h3list.html Group also includes IC 4538, Also ESO 514-3 ( PGC 54644) lying 3' south of NGC 5903.
May	NGC 5576 Galaxy Group		Vir	Galaxy Group (Part of LGG 379)	Galaxy Trio NGC 5574, NGC 5576, NGC 5577. Forms a larger group with NGC 5566 (ARP 286), NGC 5569, NGC 5560.
Apr	NGC 3166 Galaxy Group		Sex	Galaxy Group, (Part of Leo I group of galaxies)	Galaxy Triplet, NGC 3165, NGC 3166, NGC 3169.
Mar	NGC 2672 & NGC 2673 Galaxy Pair		Cnc	Interacting Galaxy Pair (ARP 167)	Elliptical Galaxies
Feb	Minkowski 1-13		CMi	Planetary Nebula (PNG 232.4-1.8)
Jan	NGC 1622 Galaxy Group		Psc	Galaxy Group	NGC 1618, NGC 1222, NGC 1625 (Physical Group) [ Also Hickson 30 about 20' to the North ]
2022
Dec	NGC 7782 Galaxy Group		Psc	Galaxy Group, Alias WBL 727, Galaxy Cluster Zwicky 2350.6_0758	NGC 7782, NGC 7778, NGC 7779, NGC 7781 (see also faint galaxy MCG+1-60-44 near NGC 7780)
Nov	NGC 524		Psc	Galaxy	Lead member of NGC 524 Galaxy Group (LGG 23). Other members include NGC 489, NGC 502, NGC 505, NGC 509, NGC 516, NGC 518, NGC 525, NGC 532
Oct	NGC 6962 Galaxy Group		Aqr	Galaxy Group	NGC 6962, NGC 6964. Part of WBL 666 Galaxy Group that includes NGC 6959, 6961, 6962, 6963, 6964 & 6907.
Sep	Minkowski 1-79		Cyg	Planetary Nebula	M 1-79, small Pl.Neb near M39
Aug	SH2-71		Aql	Planetary Nebula	Complex bipolar planetary nebula
Jul	NGC 6886		Sag	Planetary Nebula
Jun	NGC 6342		Oph	Globular Cluster (Alias: H I-149)	Other nearby Glob.Cl: M9 & NGC 6536
May	NGC 6742		Dra	Planetary Nebula	Alias: Abell 50
Apr	NGC 2964		Leo	Galaxy Trio (NGC 2964, 2968, 2970)
Mar	NGC 2513		Cnc/CMi	Galaxy Trio (NGC 2510, 2511, 2513)
Feb	Jonckheere 320		Ori	Planetary Nebula
Jan	Palomar 2		Aur	Globular Cluster
2021
Dec	NGC 1587 & NGC 1588		Tau	Interacting Galaxies	Alias: LGG 117 VV 1104 Holmberg 76
Nov	NGC 1060 & NGC 1066		Tri	Galaxies Galaxy triplets a) NGC 1060, NGC 1057 & NGC 1061 b) NGC 1066, NGC 1067, MCG 5-7-41	Galaxy triplets a) NGC 1060 et al b) NGC 1066 et al Also further away UGC 2174
Oct	NGC 7492		Aqr	Globular Cluster
Sep	NGC 6749		Aql	Globular Cluster (hardest to see GC in NGC catalogue)
Aug	IC 4997		Sag	Planetary Nebula
Jul	IC 4593		Her	Planetary Nebula (White-Eyed Pea Nebula)
Jun	NGC 5861 & NGC 5858		Lib	NGC 5861 (Spiral Galaxy) and NGC 5858 (Elliptical Galaxy)	Contrasting galaxies
May	NGC 4164, NGC 4165 & NGC 4168		Vir	Galaxies	Trio of galaxies
Apr	NGC 4005 Galaxy Group		Leo/Com	Large Group of Galaxies (14 NGC Galaxies NGC 3987, 3993, 3997 & 4018, 3989, 4000 NGC 4005, 3999, 4011, 4015, 4021, 4022, 4023, NGC 4015 / MCG+4-28-110 pair (ARP 138 , VV216) NGC 3993 (VV 1487)
Mar	NGC 2713 & NGC 2716		Hya	Galaxies in Hydra	Nearby galaxy IC 2426 *mag 15. Nearby galaxy cluster AGC 732 (mag 17-18)
Feb	NGC 2389 Galaxy Group		Gem	Galaxy Group, NGC 2389, 2388, 2385 (Poor galaxy cluster WBL 142)	Other nearby galaxies incl. NGC 2373, 2375, 2379 & 2393
Jan	NGC 1999		Ori	Relection Nebula
2020
Dec	Hickson 16		Cet	Galaxy Group, NGC 833, 835, 838 & 839 Alias ARP 318	Fifth galaxy NGC 848 but too far from Hickson 16 to meet Hickson's group criteria
Nov	NGC 274 & 275		Cet	Interacting Galaxies (VV 81, ARP 140)	Part of LCG 15 along with NGC 298 & NGC 337
Oct	NGC 474		Psc	Complex shell galaxy (ARP 227)	Lies close to NGC 470 & NGC 467
Sep	NGC 6842		Vul	Planetary Nebula	PK 65+0.1
Aug	Barnard 106 & 107		Sct	Dark Nebula (cf B68 https://www.eso.org/public/unitedkingdom/news/eso9934/ )	NGC 6704 (open cluster) in same FOV B110 & B111 nearby
Jul	NGC 6539		Ser	Globular Cluster
Jun	NGC 6309		Oph	Planetary Nebula
May	NGC 3254		LMi	'Edge on' Spiral Galaxy	Part of LGG 197 / NGC 3254 Galaxy Group, along with NGC 3245, NGC 3245A, NGC 3266 & NGC 3277,
Apr	NGC 3023 & NGC 3018		Sex	Interacting Galaxies	system includes Markarian 1236, bright blue/UV source. Faint galaxy LEDA 1170217 lies next to pair.
Mar	ARP 94, NGC 3226 & NGC 3227		Leo	Galaxy Pair
Feb	Minkowski 1-8		Mon	Planetary Nebula	(aka PN G210.3+1.9)
Jan	Haro 3-75		Ori	Planetary Nebula	(aka PK 193-9.1)
2019
Dec	NGC 1407 group of galaxies		Eri	Galaxy Grouping in Eridanus	NGC 1383, NGC 1393, NGC 1400 & NGC 1407. Dec -18d 34m
Nov	NGC 524 group of galaxies		Psc	Small Galaxy Grouping	LGG 23 : NGC 489, 502, 505, 509, 518, 522, 524, 532
Oct	NGC 783/785		Tri	Spiral Galaxy + Lenticular Galaxy
Sep	NGC 1579		Per	Nebula	'Trifid of the North'
Aug	IC 5217		Lac	Planetary Nebula
Jul	NGC 6426		Oph	Globular Cluster
Jun	NGC 6058		Her	Planetary Nebula
May	NGC 5676 and its companions		Boo	Spiral Galaxy / Galaxy Group	Loose group spread over 2 degrees of sky catalogued as LGG (Lyon Galaxy Group) 384. Contains 11 galaxies, including NGC 5602,5660, 5673, 5676, 5682, 5689, 5693, 5707, 5624 & IC 1029.
Apr	NGC 3690		UMa	Interacting Galaxies	Pair of interacting galaxies (ARP 299)
Mar	NGC 3684		Leo	Spiral Galaxy	Small group of galaxies with NGC 3681, NGC 3686 & NGC 3691
Feb	NGC 2585		Hya	Galaxy	Near M48, NGC 2584 and 2585 physical pair MCG-1-22-6 & MCG-1-22-7 in same field
Jan	??				Jan 2019 magazine mislaid
2018
Dec	NGC 1700		Eri	Galaxy Group	NGC 1700 and fainter neighbour NGC 1699
Nov	NGC 1052 Galaxy Group		Cet	Galaxy Group	NGC 1035, NGC 1042, NGC 1048, NGC 1052
Oct	NGC 1		Peg	Galaxy
Sep	NGC 6804		Aql	Planetary Nebula
Aug	Minkowski 1-79		Cyg	Planetary Nebula	PK 93-2.1 (PLN 93-2.1) Close to M39
Jul	IC 1276		Her	Globular Cluster
Jun	NGC 6166 & Abell 2188		Her	Galaxy / Galaxy Cluster	Other nearby galaxy NGC 6158
May	ARP 286 Galaxy Group (trio)		Vir	Galaxy Group	NGC 5560, NGC 5566 & NGC 5569
Apr	Hickson 58 Galaxy Group		Leo	Galaxy Group	NGC 3817, NGC 3819, NGC 3820, NGC 3822, NGC 3825
Mar	NGC 3169 Galaxy Group		Sex	Galaxy Group	LGG 192 containing NGC 3156, 3165, 3166, 3169 & UGC 5539
Feb	Minkowski 1-18, OH 231.8+4.2 NGC 2438		Pup	Planetary Nebulae	3 Pl. Neb near M46 OH 231.8+4.2, also know as QX Pup, Calabash Nebula & Rotthen Egg Nebula
Jan	NGC 2242		Aur	Planetary Nebula
2017
Dec	NGC 1600 Galaxy Group		Eri	Galaxy Group	NGC 1600, NGC 1601, NGC 1603, NGC 1604 & NGC 1606
Dec	NGC 1600 Galaxy Group		Eri	Galaxy Group	NGC 1600, NGC 1601, NGC 1603, NGC 1604 & NGC 1606
Nov	NGC 936		Cet	Galaxy Pair	NGC 936 & NGC 941
Oct	NGC 100		Psc	Spiral Galaxy
Sep	NGC 7094		Peg	Planetary Nebula
Aug	NGC 6772		Aqu	Planetary Nebula
Jul	Abell 43		Oph	Planetary Nebula	PLN 36+17.1
Jun	NGC 6535		Ser	Globular Cluster
May	NGC 4216		Vir	Spiral Galaxy	Silver Streak Galaxy
Apr	ARP 270		LMi	Interacting Galaxy Pair	NGC 3395 & NGC 3396
Mar	Hickson 51		Leo	Galaxy Group	NGC 3651, NGC 3653, IC 2759
Feb	Minkowski 1-7		Gem	Planetary Nebula	PK 189.8+7.1 / PLN 189+7.1
Jan	NGC 1535, M79, NGC 2359, Abell 10		Eri, Lep, CMa, Ori	Pl Neb, Glob, WR Shell, Pl Neb.	Winter Selection Box, 4 objects this month Abell 10 (PLN 197-14.1) not yet imaged
2016
Dec	Baade 1		Tau	Planetary Nebula	PK / PLN 171-25.1
Nov	NGC 672		Tri	Spiral Galaxy
Oct	The Skull Nebula (NGC 246)		Cet	Planetary Nebula
Sep	Galaxy Groups in Andromeda		And	Galaxy Group	NGC 48 Group, NGC 80 Group
Aug	Abell 55		Aql	Planetary Nebula
Jul *	Abell 45 (PK 020-00.1)		Sct	Planetary Nebula	* No Official Challenge Object in this Jul 2016 magazine (Abell 45 (PK 020-00.1 is however presented as a challenge in the Constellation of the Month Section)
Jun	(None)				No Challenge Object in this month's magazine
May	Globular Clusters in Coma Berenices		Com	Globular Cluster	M53, NGC 5053 & NGC 4147
Apr	Palomar 4		Ursa Major	Globular Cluster
Mar	Hickson 61		Com	Galaxy Group	NGC 4169 et al
Feb	Abell 24		CMi	Pl.Neb	PLN 217+14.1
Jan	Galaxy Group in Orion		Ori	Galaxy Group	NGC 1684 et al.
2015
Dec	The Jellyfish Nebula (IC 443)		Gem	Supernova Remnant
Nov	Hind's Variable Nebula (NGC 1555)		Tau	Reflection Nebula
Oct	Local Galaxy Wolf-Lundmark-Melotte		Cet	Irregular Galaxy	WLM, UGCA 444
Sep	The Little Cocoon (Shapeless 82)		Sag	Emission Nebula	Sh2-82, Dec +18d 17m
Aug	Sharpless 2-71		Aql	Pl. Neb	Sh2-71. Also : Aug 2008 Challenge
Jul	(None)				No Challenge Object in this month's magazine
Jun	(None)				No Challenge Object in this month's magazine
May	NGC 6118		Ser	Spiral Galaxy	Dec -02d 19m
Apr	NGC 4361		Crv	Pl. Neb	Dec -18d 47m
Mar	Abell 21		Gem	Pl. Neb	"Medusa Nebula" / PK 144-15.1 Also: Dec 2011 challenge
Feb	NGC 2835		Hyd	Spiral Galaxy	Dec -22d 21m
Jan	IC 342		Cam	Spiral Galaxy	Also: Jan 2010 challenge
2014
Dec	Palomar 1 and 2		Cep / Aur	Globular Cluster
Nov	M33 and its H II regions		Tri	Spiral Galaxy
Oct	The Skull Nebula (NGC 246)		Cet	Pl. Neb
Sep	Hickson 93 (NGC 7549 et al)		Peg	Galaxy Cluster	NGC 7549 + NGC 7550 = Arp 99)
Aug	NGC 6842		Vul	Pl. Neb
Jul	Seyfert's Sextext (NGC 6027 et al)		Ser	Galaxy Cluster
Jun	IC 1296		Lyr	Spiral Galaxy
May	NGC 5634		Vir	Globular Cluster
Apr	M68		Hyd	Globular Cluster
Mar	Abell 33 (PLN 238+34.1)		Hyd	Pl. Neb
Feb	The Ghost of Jupiter (NGC 3242)		Hyd	Pl. Neb
Jan	J320 (Jonckheere 320)		Ori	Pl. Neb	05h 05.572m, Dec +10 42.38, Mag 12.9
2013
Dec	SH2-301		CMa	Diffused Nebula	Near Sirius
Nov	Simeis 147		Tau	Supernova remnant	This was also the challenge object for Feb 2009
Oct	NGC 288		Scl	Globular Cluster
Sep	Hickson 10 (NGC 536 et al)		And	Galaxy Cluster
Aug	Abell 75 (NGC 7076)		Cep	Pl. Neb
Jul	QSO PG 1634+704		Dra	Quasar	Dec: 70d 31.55m (north of normal North Limit)
Jun	AGC/Abell 2151		Her	Galaxy Cluster	Hercules galaxy cluster
May	NGC 2366		Cam	Spiral Galaxy
Apr	The Siamese Twins (NGC 4567 & 4568)		Vir	Galaxy Pair
Mar	Copelands Septet (Hickson 57, NGC 3753 et al)		Leo	Galaxy Cluster
Feb	NGC 2440		Pup	Pl. Neb	Dec 18 d
Jan	The Cone Nebula (NGC 2264, Christmas Tree Nebula)		Mon	Cluster with Nebulosity
2012
Dec
Nov	M1		Tau	Supernova remnant
Oct	IC 1613		Cet	Local Galaxy	Caldwell 51
Sep	Du1, Kn 61, Ou4
Aug	NGC 5907		Dra	Spiral Custer	The Splinter Nebula
Jul	M24		Sag	Open Cluster
Jun	NGC 6543		Dra	Pl. Neb	Caldwell 6, The Cat's Eye Nebula
May	IC 4593, NGC 6058 & Abell 39		Her	Pl. Neb
Apr	Hanny's Voorwerp (near IC 2497)		LMi	Galaxy + emission
Mar	Jones-Emberson 1		Lyn	Pl. Neb	PLN 164+31.1
Feb	NGC 3184		UMa	Spiral Galaxy	P
Jan	IC 405		Aur	Nebula	Caldwell 31, The Flaming Star Nebula
2011
Dec	Abell 21		Gem	Pl. Neb	"Medusa Nebula" / PK 144-15.1
Nov	Abell 4		Per	Pl. Neb	PK 144-15.1 (PLN 144-15.1)
Oct	The Silver Coin Galaxy (NGC 253)		Scl	Galaxy	NGC 253
Sep	Seeing southerly stars		-	Star(s)
Aug	M22		Sag	Globular Cluster
Jul	NGC 6934		Del	Globular Cluster
Jun	??
May	Hickson 68		CVn	Galaxy Group	NGC 5334 et al
Apr	M101		UMa	Spiral Galaxy
Mar	The Antennae		Crv	Galaxy Pair	NGC 4038 & NGC 4039
Feb	Abell 31		Cnc	Pl. Neb	PLN 219+31.1
Jan	NGC 1514		Tau	Pl. Neb	Crystal Ball Nebula")
2010
Dec	Cleopatra's Eye		Eri	Pl. Neb	NGC 1535
Nov	Perseus Galaxy Cluster (Abell 426)		Per	Galaxy Group
Oct	Maffei 1 and 2		Cas	Galaxies
Sep	Jones 1		Peg	Pl. Neb
Aug	Bubble Nebula (NGC 7635)		Cas	Nebula
Jul	Soap Bubble Nebula	V. hard	Cyg	Pl. Neb	PN G75.5+1.7
Jun	NGC 6765		Lyr	Pl. Neb
May	M97		UMa	Pl. Neb	Owl Nebula
Apr	IC 972 (Abell 37)		Vir	Pl. Neb
Mar	Abell 1367		Leo	Galaxy Cluster
Feb	NGC 2683		Lyr	Spiral Galaxy
Jan	IC 342		Cam	Spiral Galaxy	nearby UGC 2826
2009
Dec	NGC 2346		Mon	Pl. Neb
Nov	NGC 1491		Per	Nebula
Oct	NGC 404		And	Lenticular Galaxy
Sep	IC 10			LG Galaxy
Aug	M1-92		Cyg	Nebula	Minkowski 1-92 Ra 19:36:18.9 Dec +29:32:51
Jul	NGC 6822			LG Galaxy	Barnards Galaxy
Jun	Abell 50		Dra	Pl. Neb	NGC 6742
May	NGC 5997		Lib	Glob. Cl ? NGC 5997 is Galaxy !
Apr	M5, M53, Palomar 4, NGC 5907 Hickson 61, Abell 1656		various
Mar	Hickson 56		UMa	Gal. Cluster	NGC 3718/3729
Feb	Simeis 147		Tau	SN remnant
Jan	(None)
2008
Dec	Abell 12	Beg.		Pl. Neb
Nov	NGC 1501 NGC 6543 NGC 1514		Cam Dra Tau
Oct	Helix Nebula (NGC 7293)	Beg.
Sep	Mayall II		And	Glob. Cl. in M31
Aug	Sharpless 2-71		Aql	Pl. Neb
Jul	IC 4677				halo around NGC 6543 (Cats Eye Nebula)
Jun	IC 5146 & B168			Nebula & Dark Nebula	Cocoon Nebula
May	Abell 2065		CrB	Gal Cluster
Apr	NGC 5053		CBr	Gal Cluster ? NGC 5053 is Glob Cl. !.
Mar	Leo I		Leo	Galaxy
Feb	Thors Helmet (NGC 2359)
Jan	NGC 2158 & M35
2007
Dec	Kembles Cascade	Beg.
Nov	IC 1613		Cet	LG Galaxy
Oct	NGC 246		Cet	Pl. Neb
Sep	Pearse I		Peg	Pl. Neb in M15
Aug	NGC 6791		Lyr	Open Cl
Jul	M51 Spiral Arms Campbells Hydrogen Star	Beg.	Cyg		BD+303639
Jun	NGC 6210	Beg.		Pl. Neb	Turtle Nebula
May	M51 Spiral Arms	Beg
Apr	DC 1247+3406		CVn	Quasar	Mag +20.4
Mar	NGC 2419			Glob. Cl
Feb	Jones-Emberson (SE-1)			Pl. Neb	PK 164+31.1
Jan	Flaming Star Nebula (IC 405)		Aur	Nebula
2006
Dec	Cone Nebula (NGC 2264)		Mon
Nov	M72, M74, M97	Beg.	various
Oct	Palomar 1		Cep	Glob. Cl	Dec +79d 35m
Sep	Dwingeloo 1 & 2		Cas	Spiral Gal.
Aug	NGC 6888 (Crescent Nebula)		Cyg	Emission Neb.
Jul	Abell 43 (PLN 36+17.1)		Oph	Pl. Neb	pulsating white dwarf at centre.
Jun	Abell 2151			Gal Cluster	incl NGC 6040 / 6045
May	Iris Nebula (NGC 7023)	Beg.	Cep	Nebula
Apr	M100	Beg.	CBr	Spiral Gal
Mar	Copelands Septet Hickson 50		UMa	Gal Cluster
Feb	IC 443 Simeis 147		Gem Tau	SN remnent
Jan	Abell 21		Gem / CMi	Nebula	Medusa Nebula

This Web Page:	Deep Sky Challenges (Astronomy Now, 2006-2024)
Last Updated :	2024-11-02
Site Owner :	David Richards
Home Page :	David's Astronomy Web Site

	Deep Sky Challenges By Year
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	Deep Sky Challenges (List)

David's Astronomy Pages (Image Gallery) Deep Sky Challenges (Astronomy Now, 2006-2024)

2024 Deep Sky Challenges

Oct 2024 Challenge : NGC 410 Galaxy Grouping (NGC 407, 410, 414)

Oct 2024 Challenge : Hu 1-2 - Planetary Nebula

Sep 2024 Challenge : NGC 6778 - Planetary Nebula

Aug 2024 Challenge : NGC 6712 - Globular Cluster

IC 1295 - Planetary Nebula

Jul 2024 Challenge : NGC 6804 - Planetary Nebula (PLN 45- 4.1)

Jun 2024 - ARP 91 (Interacting Spiral Galaxies, NGC 5953 and NGC 5954)

May 2024 - NGC 5466 (Globular Cluster, Herschel VI-9)

Apr 2024 - NGC 2708 - Spiral Galaxy

March 2024 - NGC 3044 Spiral Galaxy

Febuary 2024 - IC 2165 Planetary Nebula

January 2024 - Jonckheere 900 Planetary Nebula

2023 Deep Sky Challenges

December 2023 - IC 418 Planetary Nebula (Spirograph/Raspberry Nebula)

November 2023 - NGC 128 Galaxy Group (LGG 6)

October 2023 - NGC 7385 Galaxy Group (WBL 668)

NGC 7385 - Spiral Galaxy

September 2023 - NGC 6934 Globular Cluster

August 2023 - NGC 6891 Planetary Nebula

July 2023 - NGC 6369 Planetary Nebula (Little Ghost Nebula, Herschel IV-11)

June 2023 - NGC 5903 & NGC 5898

May 2023 - NGC 5576 Galaxy Group

Apr 2023 - NGC 3166 Galaxy Group (NGC 3165, NGC 3166 & NGC 3369)

Mar 2023 - Interacting Galaxies NGC 2672 & 2673 (ARP 167)

Feb 2023 Challenge : Minkowski 1-13 (Planetary Nebula)

Jan 2023 Challenge : NGC 1622 Galaxy Group (NGC 1618, 1622, 1625)

2022 Deep Sky Challenges

Dec 2022 Challenge : NGC 7782 Galaxy Group (alias WBL 727, Zwicky 2350.6+0758)

Nov 2022 Challenge : NGC 524 Galaxy

Oct 2022 Challenge : NGC 6962 Galaxy Group

Sep 2022 Challenge : Minkowski 1-79 - Planetary Nebula

Aug 2022 Challenge : SH2-71 - Planetary Nebula

Jul 2022 Challenge : NGC 6886 - Planetary Nebula

Jun 2022 Challenge : NGC 6343 - Globular Cluster (H I-149)

May 2022 Challenge : NGC 6742 - Planetary Nebula (Abell 50)

Apr 2022 Challenge : NGC 2964 (Galaxy Trio, NGC 2964, 2968 & 2970, Leo Triplet 2)

Mar 2022 Challenge : NGC 2513 (Galaxy Trio NGC 2510, 2511 & 2513)

Feb 2022 Challenge : Jonckheere 320 (Planetary Nebula)

Jan 2022 Challenge : Palomar 2 (Globular Cluster)

2021 Deep Sky Challenges

Dec 2021 Challenge : Interacting Galaxies - NGC 1587 & NGC 1588

Nov 2021 Challenge : Galaxy Triplets - NGC 1060 et al & NGC 1066 et al

Oct 2021 Challenge : NGC 7492 (Globular Cluster)

Sept 2021 Challenge : NGC 6749 (Globular Cluster)

Aug 2021 Challenge : IC 4997 (Planetary Nebula)

Jul 2021 Challenge : IC 4593 (Planetary Nebula, White-Eyed Pea Nebula)

June 2021 Challenge : NGC 5861 & NGC 5858 (Contrasting Galaxies)

May 2021 Challenge : NGC 4164, NGC 4165 & NGC 4168 (Galaxy Trio)

Apr 2021 Challenge : NGC 4005 (Galaxy Group)

Mar 2021 Challenge : NGC 2713 & NGC 2716 (Hydra's Galaxies)

Feb 2021 Challenge : NGC 2389 Galaxy Group

Jan 2021 Challenge : NGC 1999, Nebula (H IV-33)

2020 Deep Sky Challenges

Dec 2020 Challenge : Hickson 16 (NGC 833, 835, 838 & 839)

Nov 2020 Challenge : Interacting Galaxies NGC 274 & NGC 275

Oct 2020 Challenge : Complex shell galaxy NGC 474 (ARP 227)

Sep 2020 Challenge : Planetary Nebula, NGC 6842

Aug 2020 Challenge : Dark Nebula, Barnard 106 & 107

Jul 2020 Challenge : Globular Cluster, NGC 6539

Jun 2020 Challenge : Planetary Nebula, NGC 6309

May 2020 Challenge : Edge On Galaxy, NGC 3254

Apr 2020 Challenge : Galaxies, NGC 3023 & NGC 3018

Mar 2020 Challenge : ARP 94 - Galaxies, NGC 3226 & NGC 3227

Feb 2020 Challenge : Minkowski 1-8 - Planetary Nebula (PN G210.3+1.9)

Jan 2020 Challenge : Haro 3-75 - Planetary Nebula

2019 Deep Sky Challenges

Dec 2019 Challenge : NGC 1407 Galaxy Group

Nov 2019 Challenge : NGC 524 group of galaxies (LGG 23)

Oct 2019 Challenge : NGC 783 & NGC 785

Sep 2019 Challenge : NGC 1579 - Nebula ('Trifid of the North')

Aug 2019 Challenge : IC 5217 - Planetary Nebula

Jul 2019 Challenge : NGC 6426 - Globular Cluster

Jun 2019 Challenge : NGC 6058 - Planetary Nebula

May 2019 Challenge : NGC 5676 and its companions (LGG 384)

Apr 2019 Challenge : NGC 3690 - Interacting Galaxies (ARP 299)

Mar 2019 Challenge : NGC 3684 - Spiral Galaxy

Feb 2019 Challenge : NGC 2585 - Spiral Galaxy

Jan 2019 Challenge : ??

David's Astronomy Pages (Image Gallery)
Deep Sky Challenges (Astronomy Now, 2006-2024)

Feb 2018 Challenge : Minkowski 1-18, OH 231.8+4.2 & NGC 2438
(Three Planetary Nebulae near or within M46)