Open Cluster M103

Astrophotography by David Gares

Open Cluster M103

M103 is a small open cluster of 50 stars in Cassiopeia. One of the three brighter stars is distinctly orange, but you can't tell that from my photo. Daylight was fast approaching and there was also the thickest haze I've ever imaged through, so the color saturation did not work out. I only squeezed out one image before it was hopeless so I couldn't do any stacking. I could not see any of Cassiopeia stars visually, nor could I see Polaris due to the haze.

Open Cluster M103
(Click image to enlarge)

Object Details:

Type:  Open Cluster
Constellation:  Cassiopeia
Distance:  8000 light-years
Size:  15 light-years

Image Details:

Date: July 25, 2004
Site: Harahan, LA (hazy skies)
Exposure: CCD, 1 x 5 min.
Filters: Orion SkyGlow LPR
Processing: MSB Astroart 3.0
Telescope: 10" Meade LX200
Reducer: Meade f/4.3
CCD: Starlight Express MX7C
Autoguider: S.T.A.R. 2000