|
|
 |
The Double Cluster is actually two separate open star clusters in Perseus. These objects didn't make
the Messier list, but they're near the top of all popular observer's lists. The pair of clusters can
be appreciated in binoculars and wide-field instruments, while larger telescopes offer a nice view of the individual
clusters themselves. The first image below is discovery from my hard drive - I had forgotten to process this one.
The images below that are earlier and less successful attempts. NGC 884 is the cluster to the left in the first two
images. These clusters are just a few hundred light-years apart.
Brighter stars in the second image show diffraction spikes created by the iris on the telephoto lens, a common
problem with this technique. The spikes are likely to be in the infrared region, adding to the soft focus.
The third (NGC 869) image was plagued by tracking errors so only one shot out of ten was a keeper. The old LX200
didn't want to guide properly in the northward region.
|
Object Details - NGC 869:
Type: Open
Cluster
Constellation: Perseus
Distance:
7100 light-years
Size: 62 light-years
|
Object Details - NGC 884:
Type: Open
Cluster
Constellation: Perseus
Distance:
7400 light-years
Size: 65 light-years
Double Cluster (NGC 869 and 884)
Scale: 120 x 90 light years
Date: 11/01/2008
Site:
Harahan, LA
Conditions: Cannot Recall
Exposure: 10x2m
Filters: IDAS
LPS-P48
Processing: MSB Astroart 5.0
Telescope: 4" Tak FSQ-106N
Reducer: None (f/5.0)
Image
CCD: SX SXV-H9C
Guide CCD: SX MX7C
Guide
Scope: Vixen ED80Sf
|
|
|
Double Cluster (NGC 869 and 884)
Date: Oct. 19, 2003
Site: Harahan, LA
Exposure: CCD, 3
x 60 sec.
Lens: 135 mm, f/4.0
Filters: K2 yellow
Processing: MSB Astroart 3.0
CCD:
Starlight Express MX7C
Autoguider: S.T.A.R. 2000
|
|
|
NGC 869 Open Cluster
Date:
Aug. 07, 2004
Site: Harahan, LA
Exposure:
CCD, 1 x 60 sec.
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
|
|
|
NGC 884 Open Cluster
Date:
Aug. 07, 2004
Site: Harahan, LA
Exposure:
CCD, 5 x 60 sec.
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
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
