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
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