In April I set out to find the Beehive Cluster in the constellation of Cancer. Well I did find it and managed to capture a wide field image. I vowed to revisit this target. Here is an updated version using the imaging and processing techniques I have learned over the past few months.
The Beehive Cluster (Messier 44) is an open star cluster in the constellation of Cancer. Consisting of approximately 1000 stars, it is said to be one of the closest clusters to Earth; some 577 light years away.
Mount: Explore Scientific EXOS2GT mount
Camera: Altair Hypercam 183MC (fan cooled)
Main Scope: Skywatcher ED72 APO + flattener + Altair Quadband OSC filter
Guiding: Svbony 30mm f/4 + ASI120MC
Exif: 40 frames at 3 mins; Gain 400; Offset 30; focal length 420mm; f/5.6
APP, Photoshop, PHD2
Hi Drex!
I also just went back and looked at your earlier picture of the Beehive Cluster. On this one you have definitely increased the magnification and makes you feel that you have penetrated the cluster and are surrounded by stars.
However the first shot that you took is not bad at all. The wide scale of that really shows the density of the cluster and really highlights a lot of the different star colors., So I am a fan of that shot also.
Keep up the good work I’m always looking forward to your new posts!
By the way I’m doing okay and still hanging in there.
Best regards,
Eric
Thank you much 😊. I agree regarding the first. However for me it was not clean and I didn’t have many subframes. So definitely that image would benefit from much more integration time 😊.
It’s really great to hear that you are doing okay. Continue to hang in there. I need to send you a print out of one of my photos 😊. I will be in Orlando for Christmas so perhaps I can print there and mail it over 😊.
Wow that would be really cool!
By the way I think I may see one spiral type or oval looking Galaxy towards the far right edge of the frame and near a fairly bright star.
That would be in the upper portion of the frame also. 🤔👍👍🙏🙏
Yes great eyes. There are two galaxies in there 🤣
How beautiful!!! Really loving the details, and the colorful twinkles- giving off Christmas feels. (I spy a galaxy or two!)
Lol. Thank you. Yes there is at least one galaxy in there. Good eyes 😊