M39 - Open Star Cluster in Cygnus

Version 2

 

This is a re-process using Pixinsight. Less contrast, better controlled stars/less bloating, over all more natural looking.

 

Version 1 here: www.flickr.com/photos/80205804@N05/15399069138/

 

M39 is an open cluster made up of around 30-50 stars in the summer constellation of Cygnus the swan. It is located around 800 light years away (1 light year = 6 trillion miles) and is estimated to be around 300 million years old. These stars are very young and hot which is shown by their blue colour, compare these to our star which is 4.5 billion years old.

 

With the constellation Cygnus lying on the galactic plane, the cluster sits in front of millions of other solar masses that make up our Milky Way galaxy, and this is only a tiny portion of our night sky.

 

The aim here was to use longer exposures to try and bring out some of the dust globules in the area which you dont see captured too often. I did pick up a little but sacrificed star size.

 

Exposure Details:

85* 300 secs, 36* 600 secs, ISO 800, calibration frames, 805mm

 

Total Exposure: 13 hours

 

Scope: Altair Astro 115EDT

Camera: Canon 1100D

Mount: NEQ6

Done