Current Challenges

The 2024 ASSA Astrophotography Competition

Competition pdf:

Download the competition pdf brochure.

Closing date for receipt of submissions:
Monday 26 August 2024

Announcement:
The scheduled date for announcing the winners is 21 September 2024.

Prizes:
Sponsored by Celestron and Sky-Watcher.
1st prize: Celestron 91519 Advanced VX EQ Mount valued @ R38000
2nd prize: Skywatcher Quattro P150 Newtonian valued @ R17000
3rd prize: Celestron 22087 SLT 90MAK Computerised Telescope valued @ R16000

Theme:
Astrophotography of any kind.

Southern Sky Targets (including the Big 5) are always a plus, and it would be nice to see any of our other unique targets from the LMC & SMC (including the Tarantula Nebula).
There is even a shortage of good images of the Southern Cross, and for more adventurous astronomers, how about Centaurus A (NGC 5128) or the spectacular massive Vela Supernova remnant?

Conditions:
All submissions will be presented in the ASSA Flickr gallery.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/astrosocsa/albums

Rules:

  1. The competition is restricted to ASSA members (Centre or Country).
  2. Only images taken since 1 March 2024 will be considered.
  3. Submit your images electronically to astrophotography@assa.saao.ac.za
  4. Acceptable file formats are .JPG and .TIFF, with a maximum file size of 5MB.
  5. Image processing including stacking is acceptable. Should an entry be shortlisted you may be requested to supply a full-size processed image plus the original raw file with embedded EXIF.
  6. Each image must be submitted separately.
  7. Each submission must be accompanied by the following information:
    a.  Your name and contact details.
    b.  The date, time and approximate location.
    c.  A brief description of the equipment used and any processing techniques employed.
  8. Needless to say, all submitted images must be your own work.
  9. Ownership of the intellectual property remains with the photographer without restrictions.
  10. By submitting an image, you agree to the rules, affirm that it is your own work, and agree to ASSA and G&L Agencies publishing the image plus any associated details with suitable accreditation (i.e. specifically including your name) in our various communications channels. The image may be cropped or its resolution reduced to suit the needs of publication.
  11. The judges’ decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into regarding the judging.