Messier 46 and planetary nebula NGC2438

[SkyViking]

Hi All,

One more image from me thanks to my pile of Dec-Jan data. This time it's open cluster Messier 46 with planetary nebula NGC2438.
Only a quick snap though with just a little over 1 hour, but I was happy to see some good detail in the planetary nebula so I added the hi-res insert in the bottom right corner.

Link to large image (http://www.rolfolsenastrophotography.com/Astrophotography/Star-Clusters/25329582_R3QJrd#!i=2332487598&k=4DL2Ptt&lb=1&s=X3)


Description:
Messier 46 is an open star cluster located approximately 5,500 light years away in the constellation of Puppis. The cluster is around 300 million years old and contains up to 500 member stars within its diameter of 30 light years.
The cluster was discovered by Charles Messier on 19th February 1771. It is notable because of the planetary nebula NGC2438 that was discovered by John Herschel in 1833 and seems to lie within its boundaries near the bottom in this image. This is the remains of a very old star that has shedded its outer layers and become a faint white dwarf visible as the small blue point in the very centre of the nebula.
The planetary nebula has a different velocity through space than the cluster and is also closer to us at a distance of 3,000 light years, so it is not a true member of the cluster but just happens to lie in the same direction.

Image details:
Date: 1st January 2013
Exposure: LRGB: 44:12:10:10m, total 1hr 16mins @ -27C
Telescope: 10" Serrurier Truss Newtonian f/5
Camera: QSI 683wsg with Lodestar guider
Filters: Astrodon LRGB E-Series Gen 2
Taken from my observatory in Auckland, New Zealand

Make sure to check the large image linked above, the small attachment really doesn't do this cluster justice.
Enjoy the view, and comments and critique is welcome as always.

Regards,
Rolf

[cybereye]

I love it, stars of all ages! ! A nice colourful image - well done.

Cheers,
Mario

[ReaPerMan]

A wonderful image of this cluster and the Highlight of NGC2438 really does it justice. Your processing is exceptional and I'm really envious of how much star colour you retain in your pictures.

all the best

Paul :thumbsup:

[Larryp]

Such a magnificent range in star colours! Beautiful image

[LewisM]

I am a PN chaser, and I had not tried this one yet. Super image of it.

[David Fitz-Henr]

That is a beautiful image Rolf - love the contrasting star colours and the planetary nebula is an added bonus!!

[multiweb]

Lovely colors and very sharp field. Well done. :thumbsup:

[RickS]

Lovely image, Rolf, as usual!

[Ross G]

Great photo Rolf.

Beautiful colours.

Ross.

[strongmanmike]

Lovely colourings Rolf and some great detail in the PN ring too

Mike

[SkyViking]

Thank you Mario, yeah some of those clusters are really colourful. they make for great targets when the Moon is up and the fainter stuff becomes impractical :)


Thanks very much Paul, I'm glad you liked the star colour, it is something I make an effort to bring out.


Thank you Laurie :)


Thanks Lewis, it's a great PN for sure.


Thanks David, I'm glad you liked it :) This PN is really nice and bright. I actually have an older ToUCam image of it which wasn't half bad, although it doesn't have anywhere near as much detail as I got this time around with the much more sensitive QSI.


Thank you Marc, yeah the seeing was pretty good so enabled me to pick up some good detail in the PN.


Thanks Rick :)


Thank you Ross :)


Thank you Mike :)

[TrevorW]

Great shot Rolf