NGC 2659

Open Cluster in VELA 

(Image centered at: ra 08:42 / dec - 44:57)

February 2021, Sarandì / Home Backyard in Martínez, Buenos Aires, Argentina

DATA

TYPE: Open Cluster

VISUAL BRIGHTNESS: 8,6

OBJECT SIZE: 15 arc minutes

DISTANCE: 5600 light years

IMAGE INFORMATION

SCOPE: 8" ORION OPTICS UK (Ultra Grade Optics) w/Televue Paracorr working at at f5,75

CAMERA: QSI 583 WS

MOUNT: SKY WATCHER NEQ6

FILTERS: Baader LRGB Set Astronomik 6nm Ha filter

SKY CONDITIONS: urban skies / sub urban skies

EXPOSURES: LHAO3RGB (40,100,60,40,40,40)

OBJECT DESCRIPTION AND IMAGE SESSION

NGC 2659 is a young open cluster with an age nearly of 8 million years. It was discovered by English astronomer John Herschel on 1835 during his visit to South Africa using a private 6,4 meter telescope. The cluster spans over a distance 1,93 parsec or 6,3 light years across and contains an estimated number of 1800 +/- 600 stars. From the Earth perspective the cluster is surrounded by matter ejected by the supernova creating gas and high energy particles.

Luminance pictures were taken form Bortle 5 skies, Ha, OIII and RGB were taken from Bortle 8 skies in Martinez.