Mark James Ford
The Wishing Well Cluster
The Wishing Well Cluster, formally known as NGC 3532, is a breathtaking open star cluster nestled in the southern constellation of Carina, lying about 1,300 light-years from Earth. With over 400 stars densely packed into its luminous heart, it spans a region roughly 50 light-years across, shimmering like a scattering of silver coins—hence its poetic nickname. The cluster contains a rich mix of hot blue giants and older, cooler stars, and it gleams with such brightness that it is easily visible to the naked eye under the dark Namibian skies.
NGC 3532 lies in a star-forming region of the Milky Way, surrounded by a vibrant complex of emission nebulae and molecular clouds. Among these are the RCW 54b, 54c, and 54d regions—dense knots of glowing hydrogen gas within the larger RCW 54 complex. Each of these nebulae is a cradle of ongoing star formation, rich in ionized gas and dust, energized by the ultraviolet radiation from hot young stars.
RCW 54d is a relatively compact, bright region, (upper Left), appearing like a glowing ember embedded in the interstellar medium. It is likely powered by a small group of O or B-type stars buried within.
RCW 54c extends more diffusely, (left hand side), with wispy filaments and darker dust lanes weaving throughout. The gas flows towards the bottom of the image hinting at complex magnetic fields and turbulent gas dynamics.
RCW 54b, the most nebulous and irregular of the group, (right hand side) is partially obscured by foreground dust but still radiates a soft, ruddy hue. It may be in an earlier or less active phase of stellar birth than its siblings.
Together, the Wishing Well Cluster and the surrounding RCW 54b–d nebulae form a jewel-like tableau in the Carina region, where the galaxy’s spiral arm folds into a corridor rich with gas, dust, and stellar activity. The entire field of view is a tapestry of light and structure, revealing the chaotic beauty of a galaxy alive with stellar creation ...
PlaneWave Delta Rho 350
10 Micron GM2000 HPS
Moravian C5S-100M
The image is a two panel mosaic. Total acquisition time: ca. 16 hrs 46 Minutes
The Wishing Well Cluster
The Wishing Well Cluster, formally known as NGC 3532, is a breathtaking open star cluster nestled in the southern constellation of Carina, lying about 1,300 light-years from Earth. With over 400 stars densely packed into its luminous heart, it spans a region roughly 50 light-years across, shimmering like a scattering of silver coins—hence its poetic nickname. The cluster contains a rich mix of hot blue giants and older, cooler stars, and it gleams with such brightness that it is easily visible to the naked eye under the dark Namibian skies.
NGC 3532 lies in a star-forming region of the Milky Way, surrounded by a vibrant complex of emission nebulae and molecular clouds. Among these are the RCW 54b, 54c, and 54d regions—dense knots of glowing hydrogen gas within the larger RCW 54 complex. Each of these nebulae is a cradle of ongoing star formation, rich in ionized gas and dust, energized by the ultraviolet radiation from hot young stars.
RCW 54d is a relatively compact, bright region, (upper Left), appearing like a glowing ember embedded in the interstellar medium. It is likely powered by a small group of O or B-type stars buried within.
RCW 54c extends more diffusely, (left hand side), with wispy filaments and darker dust lanes weaving throughout. The gas flows towards the bottom of the image hinting at complex magnetic fields and turbulent gas dynamics.
RCW 54b, the most nebulous and irregular of the group, (right hand side) is partially obscured by foreground dust but still radiates a soft, ruddy hue. It may be in an earlier or less active phase of stellar birth than its siblings.
Together, the Wishing Well Cluster and the surrounding RCW 54b–d nebulae form a jewel-like tableau in the Carina region, where the galaxy’s spiral arm folds into a corridor rich with gas, dust, and stellar activity. The entire field of view is a tapestry of light and structure, revealing the chaotic beauty of a galaxy alive with stellar creation ...
PlaneWave Delta Rho 350
10 Micron GM2000 HPS
Moravian C5S-100M
The image is a two panel mosaic. Total acquisition time: ca. 16 hrs 46 Minutes