S.W.A.G. TEAM
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XRaySpex
Halloween review....
Well, what a great idea that was 🦇. As I'm looking now, 6 bats in the top ten 🤣. It was fantastic seeing everyones interpretations of the same data with different results. Thanks again to our resident Alien for the data 🖖. Christmas next? 🎄
HAL-9000 AKA Trash Panda 🗑🦝
Congratulations are in order!!!!
I want to take a moment and recognize a couple of Sirius Warriors! This badge is absolutely, hands down, one of the hardest, most challenging, and most rewarding accomplishments on AstroImg. When this challenge first debuted, we all struggled trying to obtain it. Then I started a post, the original S.W.A.G. (Sirius Warrior Acquisition Group) to bring us together and figure this out. After that, things took off and we have what our group is today. @Maic @XRaySpex ,and myself (may be a few others, I can't remember and I apologize) finally figured it out and earned the badge. I keep seeing people say this is impossible with a SeeStar. We three were the first ones to actually do it with the SeeStar, and have coached many on how to get this badge. It is NOT easy by any means, even with a big scope. First, I would like to congratulate @JC AstroPR on attaining his badge. Using a ZWO FF65-APO, he did it in beautiful style! See his image below! And finally, as of this writing, @Quantum doesn't even know the badge has been awarded, but the deed was done with a SeeStar S50! For those that say it can't be done with a SeeStar, please check my portfolio, as wall as Maic, and Xray's. But if you don't want to dig that deep, simply look at what Quantum achieved below!Please forgive the pomp and circumstance, but as one of the very few that have earned all of the badges (to my knowledge, @StuartTheAlien👽🖖 is the only other one), I can assure you this particular one is THE HARDEST one to achieve. When checking the Photography Quest tab, as of this writing, you can see the proof.Messier Grand Slam: 6634 entrantsCaldwell Grand Slam: 6276 entrantsMoon Phase Tracker: 1359 entrantsSolar System Collector: 1230 entrants Sun Guardian: 756 entrantsAnd Sirius Warrior???Only 150 entrants worldwide.Keep in mind, these are entrants, not the actual number of people that have achieved the badges. So please, let us congratulate our friends on this momentous achievement!!!! If I remember right, @JRB48 has the fine French red wine, and Xray has the Foster's (sorry, couldn't resist). But seriously, a difficult task very well done by the both of you! Take your moment in the spotlight, you both have earned it!As always, Per Aspera, Ad Astra
StuartTheAlien👽🖖
Beam me down data ..................
Ok first Xray only found tif files of Saturn but im still looking *havnt forgot * oif only u wanted mars lol There is POLARIS *maic*only 2 hrs next one will be 13hrs R aquarii * drops * snr alot of hrs 17 I think Spaghetti nebula * dsky* or it was the other way around with drops of Jupiter and dsky idk Would of been quicker but having leobs with PI Manage to sort it but yeah keep getting gremlins in PI at mo
XRaySpex
Monthly challenge files in WAH
If you'd like to have a go at the Bortle 1 Tarantula nebula image I've posted, it's in the monthly challenge folder. Wasn't able to get to 10 hours but Bortle 1 makes a huge difference and I was very happy with the outcome. I'd love to see you all have a go and bring some more Southern hemisphere love to the North. In fit and xisf formats. XRay
Sylvain
Astro Catalog v2.0.0 has been released!
Hey there,I just released a new version of Astro Catalog! No more Python scripts, there's now a nice user interface to play with the different settings and see the result in real time.There's also a new "basic" layout where all the objects have the same size and a "scale" setting that let you easily make the resulting image as big as you want, perfect for printing :-)Let me know what you think!Sylvainhttps://github.com/sylvainvillet/astro-catalog
Maic
Do you miss the comics? Vol.3 now in production. Cover coming soon?!?
Redacted scenario. Can you see some clues?🤭
StuartTheAlien👽🖖
Dskys video not allowed ............
Yeah the app won't let Dskys video cos of violence lol but here's a link to it on YouTube dsky comic video
XRaySpex
Hertzsprung-Russell Diagram????? WTF (Pixinsight)
I have been nerding out over this from the Adam Block Utube channel https://youtu.be/rfmWigz66v0?si=WcIXZi6bWPefi62gThis covers creating a H-R diagram and interpreting the results which takes the images of those of you interested well beyond the actual image itself.A Hertzsprung-Russell diagram is a scatter plot that classifies stars by plotting their luminosity (or absolute magnitude) against their surface temperature (or spectral class/color). It is a fundamental tool in astronomy that reveals a star's evolutionary stage, with prominent features including the main sequence, giants, supergiants, and white dwarfs. The diagram shows that hotter, more luminous stars are typically in the upper left, while cooler, dimmer stars are in the lower right. (Google)Here's the repository link if you want to try it out.https://www.cosmicphotons.com/pi-scripts/hertzsprungrussell/Attached is one I generated from one of my images of M 11.You can do a lot more with it so check it out.
Maic
HDR MOON Tutorial now on Drive
Dear SWAGs, as a popular demand i did a HDR Moon full tutorial in PDF in order for you to achive a picture like this. Hope you find it useful and i cannot wait to see your creations. There is a new folder there, TUTORIALS. Enjoy and thank you! Maic
HAL-9000 AKA Trash Panda 🗑🦝
Under the West Texas Skies: Through Dust and Darkness, He Captured the Stars
Tonight, we celebrate not just another astrophotographer, but a true brother under the stars — @DeShda-West.Texas.Skies .I've had the privilege of calling him a friend for quite a while now. Our paths first crossed by chance. I discovered he had a RedCat 71, same as I did, except his was working. I would ask him all kinds of questions about cameras, filters, and so on, in an effort to get my RedCat going. He would always respond with patience, insight, and humor. That generosity of knowledge is something that's never changed.Then along came S.W.A.G., and DeShda absolutely ignited. From the very start, his work has been nothing short of breathtaking. His images of the deep sky have become staples in our community — rich, balanced, artistic, and technically flawless. Through his lens, the universe comes alive in vivid color and clarity. He's not just an astrophotographer; he's an astronomy artist, a technician, and a mentor all rolled into one.Living in the harsh and (and some say?) beautiful deserts of West Texas, DeShda knows adversity firsthand. Living about 70mi/112km or so from me, we both know how the local weather can be challenging to say the least.. The rest of us talk about “bad seeing” — he endures about 60-mile/96.5km-an-hour winds, dust storms, and searing heat that can last weeks to months on end. Add in bugs, light pollution, and gear-torturing grit, and most would pack it up. But not DeShda. Somehow, in those conditions, he continues to deliver some of the most awe-inspiring images on AstroImg.He's a constant presence in our groups — always encouraging, always helping, and yes, always in the Top 10. It seems there's never a day without a new cosmic wonder from his skies. His dedication and consistency have set the bar for all of us.When the Caldwell and Messier challenges came around, DeShda wasn't just a participant — he was a pillar. His contributions and support helped so many of us capture targets we might never have otherwise reached. That spirit of teamwork, mentorship, and quiet excellence is exactly what this community was built upon.So tonight, as we gather beneath the stars — whether in person or in spirit — let's take a moment to celebrate our friend, our mentor, and our fellow sky chaser:DeShda-West.Texas.Skies.Congratulations on earning your S.W.A.G. V.I.P. Honor Badge. You've more than earned your place among the stars. Your Honor Badge is available in the Wah!
XRaySpex
Comet Chronicles.
New challenge available to capture A6 Lemmon or R2 SWAN. @StuartTheAlien👽🖖 is way ahead as usual. Looks like you just need to capture one. If you've already done this just resubmit through select existing image. Go SWAGS.
Maic
S.W.A.G. COMICS … this is DADDY1
When duty calls @Daddy1 delivers. He might look like a superhero from another universe, Superman i think is his name ... anyway .... , but he is not an ordinary one: he's Viguros and Victorious. Double V. Double the power. Double the danger ! This is .... @Daddy1
XRaySpex
A shared accolade.
Dedicated to all the SWAG team who worked so hard so this could be achieved. A challenge is fun but better when there is sharing and collaboration. A huge thankyou to everyone who contributed, it was a marathon effort. I never thought I'd have an opportunity to share images and collaborate across the globe with such a wonderful group.
NewQLar
A laptop case that all of you can understand - but 99% of the people I know won’t.
When your astrophotography laptop looks the part :) #Astrophotogaphy # #Nerd# #AstroFun # #S.W.A.G.#
HAL-9000 AKA Trash Panda 🗑🦝
Anyone like books?
I am pleased to introduce the first S.W.A.G. sub group, The S.W.A.G. Chronicles! This is a group seperate from the official S.W.A.G. group. This is designed to be a place for discussion of books, magazines, online articles, or whatever you are reading that is astronomy related. Want to talk about the latest issue of Sky and Telescope, this is the place. Feel the urge to talk about the Bobiverse or Project Hail Mary? Here is your spot! Got a good hard science book reccomendation? Let's hear it! I created this group for like minded people to discuss and share! We are just getting started, so please give us some time to sort things out. Future goals include book challenges, magazine and credible website astro target discussions, and who knows what else! I will act as moderator, but please be forewarned.....I created this for my dear friend @Syzygi , this is her baby and she runs the show...so who knows what insanity awaits!
HAL-9000 AKA Trash Panda 🗑🦝
The Artist Beneath Both Hemispheres
Ladies and gentlemen, fellow stargazers and friends of S.W.A.G.,Tonight, as we set up our telescopes, gaze with binoculars, or simply envy with naked eyes under the same stars that brought us together — those distant beacons that remind us of both our smallness and our shared wonder; I want us to take note of one of our brightest rising stars — @JC AstroPR — as he receives S.W.A.G. V.I.P. status.Now, JC hasn't been with the group for very long — but you'd never know it by the impact he's made. In just a short time, he has become an absolute powerhouse within our community. His astrophotography is nothing short of breathtaking — capturing the heavens with clarity, depth, and artistry that few can match. But it's not just the images he produces; it's the heart behind them. JC's passion for imaging the universe is only rivaled by his obsession with post-processing perfection. Every frame he shares is not only a piece of the cosmos — it's a masterclass in dedication.From his home in Bo Higuillar, Dorado, Puerto Rico, JC enjoys a rare vantage point — close to the equator — granting him the gift of access to both northern and southern celestial treasures. Because of this, he became instrumental in helping many of us tackle the Caldwell Challenge, capturing targets some of us could only dream of reaching from our latitudes.Personally, when I find myself staring at the sky with a bit of “astronomer's block,” unsure where to point my scope next, I'll admit — I often turn to JC's portfolio for inspiration. His images reignite that spark, reminding me why we do this in the first place.And beyond the pixels and the photons, JC stands out for something even more valuable — his generosity. Every post he shares isn't just a photograph; it's an educational journey. He teaches, explains, inspires, and lifts others up. Always quick to offer help, guidance, and encouragement, JC embodies what it truly means to be part of S.W.A.G. — sharing the sky and our knowledge with one another.So tonight, it is my honor and privilege, on behalf of the entire S.W.A.G. community, to welcome and recognize JC AstroPR as a V.I.P. member.JC, your artistry, your passion, and your kindness have already left a lasting mark on this group. Thank you for sharing your vision of the universe — and for reminding us that even though we look up at the same stars, it's the way we capture and share them that brings us together.Congratulations, my friend — and welcome to the stars. 🌌Your honor badge is available in the Drive!
HAL-9000 AKA Trash Panda 🗑🦝
Dangling Weights and Trash Pandas: Where Curiosity Meets Constellations
Ladies and gentlemen, fellow star chasers, and friends of S.W.A.G.,Tonight, we come together under the same vast sky that first brought us all here—not just to look up in wonder, but to celebrate one of our own who has become a bright and constant presence among us.It's my great honor to present the S.W.A.G. V.I.P. Member Honor Badge to someone whose name has become synonymous with energy, humor, and heart—our own @Syzygi .From the moment she joined us, Syzygi has been a force to be reckoned with. She jumped right into the mix with curiosity blazing and wit sharper than a crescent moon. She didn't just show up—she lifted us up. Whether the skies were clear or clouded over (and let's be honest, they're usually clouded over for her), she never let that dim her spirit. Instead, she turned her focus to learning, to sharing, and to keeping all of us connected.Syzygi is the glue that holds the constellation of S.W.A.G. together. She's the first to welcome a newcomer, the first to crack a joke when the weather disappoints us, and the first to rally the crew when spirits dip. Her enthusiasm is contagious—her humor, legendary.She's never backed down from a challenge—whether it's pointing out dangling weights on a beefy tripod, chasing down a stubborn mother cluster, or fending off the occasional trash panda. No obstacle is too big, no sky too cloudy, no galaxy too far.In every sense, Syzygi embodies what S.W.A.G. is about—curiosity, camaraderie, and courage under cloudy skies. She reminds us that astrophotography isn't just about capturing light—it's about sharing it.So tonight, we honor not just her contributions, but her spirit.Our uniter. Our cheerleader. Our friend.Syzygi, congratulations on earning your S.W.A.G. V.I.P. Member Honor Badge. You've more than earned it—you've illuminated the path for the rest of us to follow.Let's all raise a glass (or a lens cap) to our friend—the one and only Syzygi.
HAL-9000 AKA Trash Panda 🗑🦝
Because of you, we look South...
Friends, fellow stargazers, members of S.W.A.G.,Today, we gather to honor someone whose name has become synonymous with passion, dedication, and quiet excellence — our friend, @XRaySpex .From his home base in Brisbane, Australia, XraySpex has done something few could ever claim — he has almost single-handedly expanded our understanding and appreciation of the Southern Hemisphere's night sky. His tireless work in contributing Southern Hemisphere astrophotography targets has opened a whole new realm of beauty and wonder for us all.Many of us, myself included, once looked at the Southern sky as something distant — something we admired from afar but never truly knew. But through your lens, XraySpex, we've discovered breathtaking treasures: the rich, glowing clouds of the Carina Nebula, the jewel clusters that sparkle in the dark, and the quiet, infinite tapestry that stretches beyond what we in the North could ever imagine.You were one of the original members when S.W.A.G. first formed — a pioneer, a steady hand, and a humble guide. Your humor has kept us grounded; your humility has lifted us higher. You led the charge in capturing the Southern Hemisphere Caldwell objects for our great challenge, and in doing so, you united us — bridging the skies between North and South.Because of your work, your vision, and your generosity, many of us have discovered wonders we never thought we'd experience. And in return, we hope to share with you — and with all in the South — our own Northern sky treasures, completing the celestial circle you helped to start.So, in recognition of your dedication, hard work, passion, and your true love of the night sky, it is my great honor and privilege to recognize you, XraySpex, as an Executive Member of S.W.A.G.Thank you, my friend — for everything you've given us, for everything you've shared, and for reminding us all why we look up. Your new honor badge is available in the drive. As for the the rest of you S.W.A.G.s, stay tuned for big announcements!
StuartTheAlien👽🖖
Next time im in your solar system.. WHAT DO YOU HUMANS WANT ?
Ladies and gentlemen boys and girls , the next beam me down data , what do people want 1. Something from your solar system 2. A cluster be it globular-open 3.Maybe a Nebula - if so reflection - snr - emission - Planetary 4. Galaxy-galaxies 🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔 🖖👽🫶