Melotte 71 Open Cluster in Puppis

CLICK ON IMAGE FOR FULL SIZE VIEW (1600x1200)

Scope: FSQ-106N 106 mm refractor at f/5, Location: Blair Valley, Anza Borrego Desert, CA   12 January 2013   Camera: Artemis285

Exposure: 11 x 3 min  (1x1 bin) exposure with UV/IR block, 8 x 1.5 min (2x2 bin) RGB exposures.

Processing: Data Collection -  Artemis Capture (as FITs).  Calibrated, stacked (Sigma Combine), Central Gradient removal, LRGB channel registration, equalization - Astroart.  Curves, Levels, LRGB combine and finishing  - Photoshop. This image is a straightforward LRGB combine with Luminance layering.     Final Image size is approximately 1600 x 1200.

North is up in this image. Melotte 71 is a medium rich open cluster - it is also an older cluster with some reddish stars. This cluster is in Puppis right next to the Monoceros border and just about 2-1/2 degrees North of the M46 / M47 area. Distance is estimated at about  10,300 light years. This image replaces an earlier image that can be seen in the Archives here. Horizontal FOV is 55'

Image center is approximately - Equatorial 2000: RA: 07h 37m 31s Dec: -12°03'19"

All images and content remain the property of Jim Thommes - copyright 2003 - 2013

Current Web Total Hits -