[DavidTrap (David)]

Thanks to all those who contributed to the June thread! Some fabulous images have been posted allowing great comparisons between techniques and equipment. I hope everyone has learnt from the experience. Let's hope there will be some more comments during this month's challenge.

Targets for July:
NGC 6334 - Cat's Paw Nebula
NGC 6744 - Spiral Galaxy in Pavo

Many seasoned imagers will have imaged these targets before, possibly even this year - it would be an exercise in frustration to attempt to find something that had never been done. The challenge may be to image these objects with new equipment or try some new processing techniques.

The challenge is open to all comers. There are no classes or categories – everyone may post images for both objects. Seasoned imagers will hopefully provide some inspiring images, along with advice for beginners with more modest equipment.

Please submit all images with the following standard information:
* Scope: (+/- reducers/flatteners)
* Imaging device:
* Mount:
* Guiding:
* Exposure details: (include ISO for DSLRs, temp for CCDs)
* Stacking method: (Median, average, sigma, etc. Darks, flats &/or bias frames)
* Summary of post processing:
* Darkness of imaging site: (Good, bad, ugly!)
* Date(s) image taken: (Ideally the image will be taken during this month, but previous work is not excluded to allow for weather and other life commitments)

There will be two threads – this one for posting images and another to post comments.

The usual 200kb limit for files applies. Adding a link to a higher resolution file is encouraged.

There will be no voting on the best image(s) of the month. The aims of the game are participation, especially from beginners, and learning, hence the standard list of information requested. The “methodology” of this challenge is open to review, and comments are appreciated – please PM me.

Cheers,
DavidTrap