NGC 6281 nothing that exciting but !!

[TrevorW]

Target: NGC 6281 open cluster in Scorpius
Camera: QHY8 OSC CCD with WO F2 Reducer
Scope: GSO CF RC200
EFR: f/6.4
Mount: EQ6 Pro
Exposure Setting: Prime focus, gain 3 offset 119
Exposures: 15 @ 360s lights taken between 7:00 and 10:00pm total 1hr 30m 26/6/2010
Seeing: full moon cold night
Guiding: Orion Starshoot Autoguider using PHD with ED80
Focus: Bahitov mask
Stacking: DSS
Processing: PS CS3 curves, levels, colour, noise
Note: Tried some 10 minute subs as well but due to moon the gradient was very hard to remove so did not include in the stack.


NGC 6281 Open Cluster in Scorpius

RA 17 04 47.2 Dec -37 53 00 Mag 11.8 Diam’ 5 Number of Stars 35 Brightest Star 12.0 Type :

Open Cluster Locate Mu Scorpio which is a bright wide pair in the tail. A mag 6 star lies 1deg15’ to f and slightly N. Two further mag 6-6.5 stars lie 1deg to f. Cluster lies just to f of these. Large and bright with prominent North pointing “V” which has another line of stars running NS that forms a vague ‘arrowhead’.

[strongmanmike]

Lovely cluster, bit of a brighter slightly blue centre (vignetting? need flats?), outer background very black, stars are a little odd shapped, nice colours.

Mike

[TrevorW]

Thanks will revisit terrible gradient due the moon. tried with some flats but seemed to drain colour

[David Fitz-Henr]

That's an attractive star cluster there Trevor - you've got some good star colours there as well! Do you know what is causing the slightly odd shaped stars Mike mentioned - collimation issue perhaps?

[TrevorW]

Thanks David possibly alignment maybe colimation but not by much

[JD2439975]

That's a fine effort Trevor considering you're under a full moon without flats. :thumbsup:
Repro improved it for sure, testing your processing skills.
I'm amazed you could get 6 min subs without it being completely blown out like daylight.

Nice little cluster, looks like it wants to overtake...headlights are on. :lol:

[TrevorW]

Thanks Justin it's seems clear skies and full moon are the norm for me lately