M34 - Open Star Cluster in Perseus
Copyright 2009 Hap Griffin
Object number 34 in Charles Messier's list is an open star cluster consisting of
approximately 100 stars. Their ages are estimated at 180 million years.
M34 lies at a distance of 1400 light
years.
Date/Location:
November 14, 2009 Griffin/Hunter
Observatory Bethune, SC
Camera: QSI 583wsg
Filters: Astrodon E Series Generation 2 HA (5nm BW)
CCD Temperature: -20 C
Instrument: Takahashi FSQ-106N
Focal Ratio: f/5
Mount: AP-1200
Guiding: Auto through Orion 10" Newtonian w/ SBIG ST-402
Conditions: Passing high cirrus and heavy dew
Weather: 55 F, still
Exposure: 90 minutes total (10 x 3 min each in R,G and B)
Capture: CCDAutopilot 4 w/ Maxim DL Camera Control, focused automatically w/
FocusMax and Robofocus.
Processing: Frame calibrations, alignment, initial DDP with ImagesPlus v3.80.
Finishing in Photoshop CS4.