Double Cluster

Location

Taken From DGRO in Edgerton Wisconsin

Telescope & Mount

TMB 130 @f6 on Paramount ME

Camera

SBIG STL-11000 with Astrodon Filters

Image Data

LRGB

Processing

About this Object

Explanation: A lovely starfield in the heroic northern constellation Perseus holds this famous pair of open or galactic star clusters, h and Chi Perseii. Also cataloged as NGC 869 (right) and NGC 884, both clusters are about 7,000 light-years away and contain stars much younger and hotter than the Sun. Separated by only a few hundred light-years, the clusters' ages based on their individual stars are similar - evidence that they were likely a product of the same star-forming region. Always a rewarding sight in binoculars, the Double Cluster is even visible to the unaided eye from dark locations. Star colors (and spikes) are enhanced in this beautiful, wide field, telescopic image.

http://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap091204.html