RASC Observer's Calendar Image Submission Guidelines

We welcome images from both long-time imagers as well as newcomers, from deep sky to lunar, solar, planetary or atmospheric phenomena. Images can also be Wide Field or Starscape compositions. Sketches are also welcome. The editor appoints volunteer assistants from the imaging community to assist in the selection process however the editor bears all responsibility for the Observer’s Calendar printing and quality.

Submission Requirements

1. Deadline for submissions is March 15, 2025.
2. Each person may submit up to 5 images and the images must have been taken between January 2024 and March 15, 2025.
3. Submitted images should be at least 3600 x 2850 pixels, this corresponds to 12" x 9.5" at 300 dpi. For print requirements, larger is always better. See details below under "How to check if my image is large enough".
4. Image must be in landscape orientation.
5. We ask that you only submit a jpg version initially for the first review process. If your image is selected, we will request a .TIFF version.
6. Submitted images must be shot and processed by the RASC member using their own equipment.
7. Please include your image details on the submission form as follows:
   
   1. Object: Include the most recognizable catalogue number, applicable common names and home constellation or region as well as object type and any interesting details:
   2. Total integration time:
   3. Image By: (Your Full Name)
   4. Date(s) and Location(s) of where you took the image
   5. Equipment (Telescope/Mount/Filters/Camera):
   6. Image capturing software used (if applicable):
   7. Processing software used (ex. Photoshop, Pixinsight, etc...):
8. Please remove any copyright info, titles, URLs or anything on the image since it will either be cropped out or the image will not be accepted. You will receive proper credit on the calendar page as well as a thumbnail page image and credit on a separate "Images" list.

Images may require adjustments to colour and brightness levels prior to printing. We will email you a copy of your image proof before it goes to press.

Follow this link to submit images. You will be required to log into your member account. PLEASE PUT YOUR NAME SOMEWHERE IN THE FILE NAME, for example, JohnDoe_Messier45.jpg.

Sincerely,

RASC Observer's Calendar Committee

How to check if my image is large enough to print at 12" x 9.5"

The image should be processed from the beginning to meet the size requirements and to be printable at 300dpi. If you are using a camera with a smaller sensor, you may need to upsample the image to make it big enough for proper printing. This is best done early in processing, so no data is lost. You must ensure that your image, when printed at 300dpi, will be the proper size i.e. 12" x 9.5". There are different ways to check if your image is the correct size, depending on the software that you are using.

For example,

• Photoshop: Use the Image > Image Size menu.
• Pixinsight: Use the Resample process icon.