NGC 1664 in Auriga

CLICK ON IMAGE FOR FULL SIZE VIEW (2000x1500)

Scope: Explore Scientific MN152  Maksutov Newtonian at f/4.8, Location: Blair Valley, Anza Borrego Desert, CA   26 December 2013  Camera: Atik 383L

Exposure: Exposure: 10 x 4 min  (1x1 bin) exposure with UV/IR block, 8 x 2 min (2x2 bin) RGB exposures.

Processing: Data Collection -  Artemis Capture (as FITs).  Calibrated, stacked (Sigma Combine), 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 2000 x 1500.

North is up in this image. NGC 1664 is an open star cluster in the constellation of  Auriga.  This star cluster has been nicknamed the "Kite Cluster"  because of the triangular arrangement of stars that looks like a kite on a string. This cluster is also cataloged as  Melotte 27 and Collinder 56. This is a relatively young cluster at about 241 million years old. It is at a distance of about 3,900 light years.   Horizontal FOV is 88'

Image center is approximately - Equatorial 2000: RA: 04h 51m 06s Dec: +43°42'00"

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