Hello Astrophotographers and SVBONY Community,

October brings longer nights and excellent opportunities for deep-sky imaging!

This month, we invite astrophotographers around the world to explore and capture two beautiful galaxies from our cosmic neighborhood.

Whether you are under northern or southern skies, there is a galaxy waiting for your telescope.

Northern Hemisphere Target:

M31 – Andromeda Galaxy

Southern Hemisphere Target:

M33 – Triangulum Galaxy

Northern Hemisphere: M31 – Andromeda Galaxy

Object Type: Spiral Galaxy
Catalog: Messier 31
Distance: Approximately 2.5 million light-years away

The Andromeda Galaxy is the closest major galaxy to the Milky Way and one of the most iconic deep-sky objects in astrophotography.

With its bright core, spiral structure, and extended dust lanes, M31 offers incredible details for both beginners and experienced astrophotographers.

 Imaging Tips

Finding M31:
M31 can be found in the constellation Andromeda and is visible from many northern locations during October nights.

Recommended Equipment:

• Wide-field refractors
• Medium focal length telescopes
• Cooled astronomy cameras

Capture Tips:

• Longer integration time helps reveal faint outer regions.
• Multiple exposures can bring out more details in the galaxy structure.
• Proper calibration frames are recommended for cleaner results.

Southern Hemisphere: M33 – Triangulum Galaxy

Object Type: Spiral Galaxy
Catalog: Messier 33
Distance: Approximately 2.7 million light-years away

The Triangulum Galaxy is the third-largest galaxy in the Local Group and one of our closest galactic neighbors.

Known for its beautiful spiral arms and star-forming regions, M33 is a rewarding target for astrophotographers who want to capture the delicate structures of a distant galaxy.

 Imaging Tips

Finding M33:
M33 is located in the constellation Triangulum and can be captured from many southern locations during October.

Recommended Equipment:

• Small to medium aperture telescopes
• Wide-field or medium focal length setups
• Color or monochrome astronomy cameras

Capture Tips:

• Dark skies and longer total exposure time will help reveal faint spiral details.
• Careful processing can enhance the galaxy’s structure while preserving natural star colors.
• Combining multiple exposures is recommended for better signal quality.

How to Participate

Choose Your Challenge Target

Select the target according to your location:

 Northern Hemisphere:
M31 – Andromeda Galaxy

Southern Hemisphere:
M33 – Triangulum Galaxy

Submission Steps:

1. Capture your selected target using SVBONY equipment.
2. Submit your astrophotography image through SVBONY official website:

https://www.svbony.com/pages/awards

3. Share your image on social media or astrophotography communities using:

#SVBONYAstrophotography
#M31AndromedaGalaxy
#M33TriangulumGalaxy

Please tag:

@svbony.website

Challenge Rules

1. Images must be captured during the October 2026 challenge period.
2. Submitted images must be original astrophotography work by the participant.
3. Previously published images, reused contest entries, or images created by others will not be accepted.
4. Each submission should include imaging details:

• Telescope
• Camera
• Filter (if used)
• Exposure time
• Imaging location

5. Each participant can submit one valid entry.

Rewards

Outstanding astrophotography deserves recognition!

1st Place: 800 SVBONY Points
2nd Place: 500 SVBONY Points
3rd Place: 300 SVBONY Points

Participation Reward:
100 SVBONY Points for every valid entry.

Points can be redeemed for:

• SVBONY accessories
• Discount coupons
• Future purchases on SVBONY official store

Clear Skies & Happy Imaging!

From the Andromeda Galaxy to the Triangulum Galaxy, these distant worlds are part of our shared cosmic neighborhood.

This October, point your telescope toward the galaxies beyond our own and share your view of the universe.

Two Hemispheres. Two Galaxies. One Cosmic Challenge.

Join the SVBONY October Astrophotography Challenge!