The IEEE Aerospace and Electronic Systems Society (AESS) organized a highly successful Night Sky Photography Event, held from September 16 to October 8, 2024. The event aimed to inspire photography enthusiasts and stargazers to capture the awe-inspiring beauty of the night sky. Conducted in an online format, the event allowed participants from various locations to showcase their skills and creativity, while engaging with the broader community of space and photography lovers.

Participants were required to follow IEEE AESS on Instagram, make the society a collaborator on their posts, and use the hashtag #NIGHTSKYWITHAESS for their entries to qualify. This social media-based format enhanced visibility for the participants and fostered a sense of community and interaction among the entrants. By the close of the registration period, 86 participants had signed up, contributing a wide array of breathtaking photographs that captured the celestial wonders of the night sky, including stars, constellations, and the vastness of the universe.

Throughout the event, participants demonstrated a diverse range of photography techniques, showcasing both technical skills and artistic vision. The shared passion for astronomy and photography was evident in the submissions, as each participant sought to bring out the magic of the night sky in their unique way. The hashtag #NIGHTSKYWITHAESS became a popular thread on social media, with posts receiving significant engagement from fellow participants, AESS members, and other photography enthusiasts.

The event will culminate in the Annual Summit of IEEE AESS, where the best photographs will be recognized, and the winners will be awarded prizes. This recognition celebrates the participants’ creativity and highlights their contribution to the broader goals of the society in promoting aerospace and electronic systems. The award ceremony promises to be a highlight of the summit, with the winning photographs displayed to showcase the talent and passion of the participants.

In conclusion, the Night Sky Photography Event was a resounding success, drawing enthusiastic participation from the community and achieving its aim of fostering a shared appreciation for the night sky and photography. The event’s innovative online format, combined with its focus on engagement through social media, ensured a wide reach and lasting impact. IEEE AESS looks forward to continuing its mission of promoting exploration, creativity, and innovation through similar events in the future.