Make Your Own Image of the Phantom Galaxy with NASA's Astrophoto Challenge
- 05/15/2023
Join NASA's Universe of Learning for an exciting opportunity to use real astronomical data and tools to create your own images of the Phantom Galaxy, also known as M74. Use your images to explore the mysterious structures within this galaxy, or just create an image that you think is beautiful. You can capture your own real-time telescope image of M74 using the MicroObservatory robotic telescope network. You can also work with an archived set of multiwavelength data files of M74, taken with NASA, ESA, and CSA space telescopes (Webb, Hubble, Chandra, Spitzer, and XMM-Newton).
The NASA’s Astrophoto Challenges provide learners of all familiarity levels authentic experiences using real astrophysics data, including those from NASA space-based missions. Participants engage in the scientific practices of a scientist through accessible data tools and experiences while they create and share their composite images.
Infrared image of the Phantom Galaxy from the James Webb Space Telescope
Image Credit: NASA, ESA, CSA, STScI
The NASA’s Astrophoto Challenges include instructions on how to turn the data into beautiful composite images with a simple and free web-based image processing tool used by professional astronomers. The JS9 image processing tool is widely used by the astronomical community to process and analyze the data from the world’s premiere research telescopes. NASA’s Astrophoto Challenge uses a version of this tool, JS9-4L, developed for learners.
The challenge also features short video by professional astronomers. These subject matter experts provide science content knowledge of the Phantom Galaxy as observed across the electromagnetic spectrum. Submit your creations to the challenges and they may be highlighted as standout entries commented on by scientists. If you submit an image, you will also be sent a certificate of participation for joining the NASA’s Astrophoto Challenge.
The challenge is open from May 15, 2023 through July 31, 2023. Enter the challenge, here: https://mo-www.cfa.harvard.edu/OWN/astrophoto
You can also learn more about other opportunities to discover the universe for yourselves at NASA's Universe of Learning: https://www.universe-of-learning.org/
More Skywatching Resources
Plan your skywatching with help from our planner page, featuring daily stargazing tips courtesy EarthSky monthly sky maps, and videos from NASA/JPL. You can even find out how to spot the International Space Station! Both Astronomy and Sky and Telescope magazines offer regular stargazing guides to readers, both in print and online. Want to join a group of folks for a star party? Find clubs and astronomy events near you, and may you have clear skies!
Last Updated: May 15, 2023
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Follow us on Facebook , Twitter and Instagram for the latest NSN news and outreach photos, and subscribe to our YouTube channel for recordings of monthly astronomy webinars and archives of our outreach toolkit demonstration videos. #NightSkyNetwork #AstronomyOutreach
Night Sky Network (NSN) member clubs are dedicated to bringing the wonders of space and NASA science to folks across the USA.NSN program participation provides clubs with tools and resources to assist in their public outreach. 
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