Can You Master Andromeda?
Three nights. Three exposure lengths. One of the most challenging galaxies in the sky.
Hellas Sky invites astrophotographers to take part in our new M31 HDR Processing Challenge and create their own interpretation of the Andromeda Galaxy from data captured at our observatory in Greece.
For this competition, we are making available a specially acquired high-dynamic-range dataset of M31, captured with our RASA 36 and full-frame QHY600C.
The data were collected over three nights using exposures of:
5 seconds · 15 seconds · 60 seconds
Only the best data from the three nights were selected for the final competition dataset.
Why HDR?
M31 presents an interesting processing problem.
Its brilliant central region contains an enormous amount of signal, while the surrounding dust lanes, spiral structures and fainter regions demand a much deeper stretch. Push the data too far and the core loses its structure. Protect the highlights too aggressively and some of the most beautiful features of the galaxy remain hidden.
That is why we didn’t capture this dataset using a single exposure length.
The 5-second exposures preserve the brightest structures around the galactic core, while the 15- and 60-second exposures progressively reach deeper into Andromeda.
Your challenge is to bring them together.
Same Data. Your Processing.
There is no single correct interpretation.
How you combine the different exposure lengths, manage the enormous dynamic range, reveal the dust structures and balance colour, contrast and stars is entirely up to you.
We want to see what you can discover in the data.
The competition is also an opportunity to experience first-hand the kind of deep-sky data produced at the Hellas Sky observatory in Greece.
Our RASA 36 combines 36 cm of aperture with an exceptionally fast f/2.2 optical system. Paired with the 61-megapixel full-frame QHY600C, it allows us to capture very large areas of sky while retaining fine detail — a combination particularly well suited to objects such as the Andromeda Galaxy.
And M31 has another surprise waiting in the field: its companion galaxies M32 and M110.
How much structure can you extract while keeping Andromeda looking natural?
That’s for you to decide.
Take the M31 HDR Challenge
Download the competition dataset, develop your own HDR workflow and submit your finished version of Andromeda.
Whether you use PixInsight, Photoshop, Siril, AstroPixelProcessor or your own combination of tools, we are interested in the final image — and in your interpretation of the data.
Three exposure lengths. One galaxy. Your vision.
→ ENTER THE M31 HDR PROCESSING CHALLENGE
Experience the data. Process Andromeda. Show us what you can create.
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