mrstella1971
M35 & NGC2158
Messier 35 is a large open star cluster 2,800 light-years away that can be seen near Castor's right foot in the constellation Gemini.
M35 - or NGC 2168 as it’s also known - probably contains about 500 stars, and is thought to be about 100 million years old. This might seem very old, but it is relatively young in astronomical terms.
Open star clusters are indeed young objects, generally speaking, especially when compared to globular clusters, which can be as ancient as 12 billion years old.
Messier 35 shines at mag. 5.2, which means it can be seen with the naked eye under dark conditions, but viewing through binoculars or even a small telescope will begin to reveal its sparkling beauty.
The cluster is part of the famous Messier Catalogue conceived by Charles Messier in the 18th century, but it is the only Messier object in the Gemini constellation.
NGC 2158 is also located in Gemini and looks as thought it's right beside M35, but in actual fact it is much further away, at 14,700 lightyears distant.
NGC 2158 is also much older, at 2 billion years old.
EQ6R Pro Mount
WO GT81 scope with reducer
2600MC Pro Camera cooled to -10c
Optolong L Pro Filter
ASI Air Pro
Processed in Pixinsight
M35 & NGC2158
Messier 35 is a large open star cluster 2,800 light-years away that can be seen near Castor's right foot in the constellation Gemini.
M35 - or NGC 2168 as it’s also known - probably contains about 500 stars, and is thought to be about 100 million years old. This might seem very old, but it is relatively young in astronomical terms.
Open star clusters are indeed young objects, generally speaking, especially when compared to globular clusters, which can be as ancient as 12 billion years old.
Messier 35 shines at mag. 5.2, which means it can be seen with the naked eye under dark conditions, but viewing through binoculars or even a small telescope will begin to reveal its sparkling beauty.
The cluster is part of the famous Messier Catalogue conceived by Charles Messier in the 18th century, but it is the only Messier object in the Gemini constellation.
NGC 2158 is also located in Gemini and looks as thought it's right beside M35, but in actual fact it is much further away, at 14,700 lightyears distant.
NGC 2158 is also much older, at 2 billion years old.
EQ6R Pro Mount
WO GT81 scope with reducer
2600MC Pro Camera cooled to -10c
Optolong L Pro Filter
ASI Air Pro
Processed in Pixinsight