Monthly Meeting 21 January 2026

Astrophotography Image Processing

About the Talk

Renowned astrophotographer Nik Szymanek will demonstrate some image processing techniques (live) including powerful tools like the Xterminator set from Russell Croman.  The talk will also include a selection of Nik’s latest and greatest images – not seen before at NEAS events.

About this month’s speaker

Nik Szymanek is an astrophotographer based in North Essex and has been using CCD cameras to image the deep sky since they were first introduced in the early 1990’s from a back garden observatory and more recently from a remote observatory in south-eastern Spain. He has written a monthly ‘Masterclass’ astro-imaging column in Astronomy Now magazine for the last ten years as well as three books on astronomical imaging, the latest of which is ‘Shooting Stars II’.

Nik is most known for his deep sky CCD images, and his contributions to education and public outreach surrounding amateur astronomy. He collaborates with professional astronomers and works with research-grade telescopes located
at La Palma in the Canary Islands, and at Mauna Kea Observatories at the Hawaiian Islands. He publishes his pictures in astronomical magazines and has written a book on astrophotography called Infinity Rising.

Nik’s website: https://ccdland.wixsite.com/astronomy
Nik on Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nik_Szymanek
Nik on Telescope Live: https://telescope.live/user/2228
Nik on Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/photos/36672102@N07/

—-

Anyone is welcome – beginner or expert – and there is no need to pre-book. A small charge applies to help us cover costs (typically £3 for non-members; £2 for NEAS members; U16s free). Doors open at 7.30pm with the talk starting at 8.00pm.

Note that if you are using satnav system, the postcode may not take you directly to the hall – please check this Google Maps link if you aren’t sure: https://goo.gl/maps/fNxmg9qnAYm

Covid Precautions

• You are encouraged to wear a mask and you are asked to be respectful and sensitive to the medical circumstances of others
• What to do if you have coronavirus (COVID-19) or symptoms of COVID-19
  The NHS says:
  While you’re no longer legally required to self-isolate if you have COVID-19, you should try to stay at home and away from others to avoid passing on the virus.
  Try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people if you:
  • have any symptoms of COVID-19, and have a high temperature or you do not feel well enough to go to work or do your normal activities
  • have tested positive for COVID-19 – this means it’s very likely you have the virusFor full details please see https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/self-isolation-and-treatment/when-to-self-isolate-and-what-to-do/
• If you have Covid symptoms and have not taken a test, please do not attend.
• There will be a section of the Hall for exclusively mask wearers. If you are wearing a mask you may of course sit where you want but if you are not wearing a mask do not sit in the masks only area. We have vulnerable people in our club and we want to make our meeting accessible for them.
• We will ventilate the Hall to the best of our ability.