The Double Cluster NGC869/884
Open Clusters in Perseus

 

            
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 One of the
            most magnificent Deep Sky object in the sky, this unique pairing
            of rich open clusters is breathtaking both visually and photographically.
            It also makes a great test target to demonstrate optical quality
            in a new Astrograph! Tens of thousands of stars distributed all
            over the frame reveal the superb sharpness of the new optics,
            and demonstrate a range of colors in the stars better than any
            shot I have ever taken of this subject. Look carefully at the
            plethora of oranges, reds, yellows and blues in this image, an
            exciting field to image indeed.

            
Object Details:

            
South is up in
            this image, with the left most cluster being NGC869, and the
            right NGC884. On the left, NGC869 also known as Cr24 is 5.3rd
            magnitude, and spans some 30 arcminutes in size - the same span
            as the full moon! 200 stars are listed in Megastar. On the right,
            NGC884 is a nearly identical 6.1 magnitude, and spans also 30
            arc minutes. 150 stars are listed in Megastar. It is also known
            as Cr25.

Optics:  8" f/4 Newtonian Astrograph w/Baader MPCC Coma Corrector
Platform:  Astrophysics AP1200  
Camera:  Hutech Modified Canon XTi @ ISO800
Exposure:  6 x 5m = 30 mins
Location:  Payson, Arizona
Elevation:  5150 ft.
Sky:  Seeing  6/10, Transparency 8/10
Outside Temperature:  35F
Processing Tools:  Photoshop CS2, Images Plus 3.82
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