What's the most challenging deep sky object you've captured? - Forums

What was the most challenging object you’ve captured so far?
Were you satisfied with the result, or are you still collecting data for the image?

Mine was captured using the Lucky Imaging technique.
It’s Abell 4, a tiny planetary nebula with a visual magnitude of 15.5
(~14.8 mag in the blue range due to strong emission in the H-beta and O III lines).

At the time of capture, I wasn’t even sure whether I actually had it in my field of view, which made it even more surprising to see that some subtle nebular details could be revealed in the final image.

Goblet of Fire for me. I’m still collecting data as it is very faint but I’ve had clouds for nearly two months so it looks like it will be a long term project.

Abell 4 is rather bright (in terms of surface brightness which is what matters) in my book. Try vastly dimmer subject, e.g. Abell 9 or worst still PN G136.7+61.9 which to date is the dimmest extended object I have ever imaged.

For me it is EGB10 and I am having a new reprosess in the making….again

ScottF · Dec 14, 2025, 12:39 PM
Goblet of Fire for me. I’m still collecting data as it is very faint but I’ve had clouds for nearly two months so it looks like it will be a long term project.

I know that pain, in Poland, from October to March, there are about 2-4 clear nights per month.

andrea tasselli · Dec 14, 2025, 12:40 PM
Abell 4 is rather bright (in terms of surface brightness which is what matters) in my book. Try vastly dimmer subject, e.g. Abell 9 or worst still PN G136.7+61.9 which to date is the dimmest extended object I have ever imaged.

Thanks! I think both Abell 9 and PN G136.7+61.9 are probably beyond the reach of my Lucky Imaging setup but will try with Abell 9 :)

Morian · Dec 14, 2025, 01:00 PM
For me it is EGB10 and I am having a new reprosess in the making….again

That’s definitely a challenge. I’ve added it to my list for the smaller rig.

Jon Main · Dec 14, 2025, 02:22 PM
B213

The final result is excellent! I found it in your portfolio.

Maciej Mindziak · Dec 14, 2025, 02:52 PM
Jon Main · Dec 14, 2025, 02:22 PM
B213
The final result is excellent! I found it in your portfolio.

Thanks! Was a challenge but definitely worth it.

The most challenging image that I ever capture is the one that I’m currently working on. It’s never easy until I’m done with it and then the hardest one becomes the next one that I’ll work on. I guess that means that I agonize over every single image!

John

The Andromeda dwarf galaxies (those that are not in the ngc collection). They are faint, and they are only “visible” during fall, when atmospheric conditions are worst.

Wim

John Hayes · Dec 14, 2025 at 05:36 PM
The most challenging image that I ever capture is the one that I’m currently working on. It’s never easy until I’m done with it and then the hardest one becomes the next one that I’ll work on. I guess that means that I agonize over every single image!
John

Same here, every image I take is the most challenging thing I’ve done. 😂

bigCatAstro · Dec 14, 2025, 08:29 PM
John Hayes · Dec 14, 2025 at 05:36 PM
The most challenging image that I ever capture is the one that I’m currently working on. It’s never easy until I’m done with it and then the hardest one becomes the next one that I’ll work on. I guess that means that I agonize over every single image!
John
Same here, every image I take is the most challenging thing I’ve done. 😂

I’m in this category, too. 😆

Although I have the chance narrowed way down now. Happiness to me is a big bold object appearing in my subs. Challenging is when my crosshairs fall on some miniscule oddity in the center of the frame. I’m using as many modern advantages as I can to get me where I want to be. Challenging is keeping them all working. 😡

🤣

Hewett 1. Such a pain to process!

As I live in Bortle 7/8 my ability to get to darker skies is limited.

But the most challenging target I have tried is the Squid OU4

Carole

SonnyE · Dec 15, 2025, 03:14 PM
bigCatAstro · Dec 14, 2025, 08:29 PM
John Hayes · Dec 14, 2025 at 05:36 PM
The most challenging image that I ever capture is the one that I’m currently working on. It’s never easy until I’m done with it and then the hardest one becomes the next one that I’ll work on. I guess that means that I agonize over every single image!
John
Same here, every image I take is the most challenging thing I’ve done. 😂
I’m in this category, too. 😆
Although I have the chance narrowed way down now. Happiness to me is a big bold object appearing in my subs. Challenging is when my crosshairs fall on some miniscule oddity in the center of the frame. I’m using as many modern advantages as I can to get me where I want to be. Challenging is keeping them all working. 😡
🤣

I find that having the time to do this hobby is my biggest challenge!

bigCatAstro · Dec 15, 2025 at 05:34 PM
SonnyE · Dec 15, 2025, 03:14 PM
bigCatAstro · Dec 14, 2025, 08:29 PM
John Hayes · Dec 14, 2025 at 05:36 PM
The most challenging image that I ever capture is the one that I’m currently working on. It’s never easy until I’m done with it and then the hardest one becomes the next one that I’ll work on. I guess that means that I agonize over every single image!
John
Same here, every image I take is the most challenging thing I’ve done. 😂
I’m in this category, too. 😆
Although I have the chance narrowed way down now. Happiness to me is a big bold object appearing in my subs. Challenging is when my crosshairs fall on some miniscule oddity in the center of the frame. I’m using as many modern advantages as I can to get me where I want to be. Challenging is keeping them all working. 😡
🤣
I find that having the time to do this hobby is my biggest challenge!

Clear skies is mine. Partly retired doesn’t matter if it’s cloudy all the time. lol

My new discovery. Faint as hell. HA is similar in brightness to the Goblet of fire. I wish I were in SFRO with a RASA or something, but no, I'm in B7, with a measly 65mm aperture, F/6.4 scope.

Waiting for it rise again next year; need wayyyy more data.

M42

Imaging it is not that difficult. Rendering it perfectly is very challenging. In my more than 30 years of astrophotographic life, I haven’t found my perfection.

Wei-Hao Wang:
M42

Imaging it is not that difficult. Rendering it perfectly is very challenging. In my more than 30 years of astrophotographic life, I haven’t found my perfection.

I had the same thought. Processing it satisfactorily is very hard.

Every single target I choose.

If only they'd stay still for about a year….

Jacoby 1 using 10-minute subs and still not satisfied with the result.

Eddie Bagwell · Dec 16, 2025, 01:09 PM
Jacoby 1 using 10-minute subs and still not satisfied with the result.

I agree! This is an insanely challenging target.

For me, it was my first’s…

My first deep sky RGB image and process

My first deep sky SHO image and process

My first galaxy and process

My first exoplanet capture and process

My first spectroscopy capture and process

The imaging was simple enough, but the processing of them all is so unique and such a learning experience I think to make it through the first time. It’s crazy any of this stuff works.

Imaging from my driveway in a forest I think CTB-1, sh2-114 “the flying dragon”, and sh2-173 “the Phantom of the Opera” have been three of my most challenging. Imaging and processing each had their complexities. Cheers!