NGC 2353

OPEN CLUSTER IN MONOCEROS 

 (Image Centred at ra 07h:14m / dec -10:15:57)

March 2014 - Home Backyard in Martinez, Buenos Aires, Argentina

DATA

TYPE: Open Cluster

Apparent magnitude: 7.1

Apparent diameter: 18 arc minutes

Distance: 3600 light years

IMAGE INFORMATION

SCOPE: 8" Orion Optics UK with Televue Paracorr

CAMERA: QSI 583 WS

FILTERS: Baader LRGB, 2" IDAS LPS for all channels

SKY CONDITIONS: urban skies and 25 % Moon

EXPOSURES: LRGB (30,30,30,30)

OBJECT DESCRIPTION AND IMAGE SESSION

Located very close to the limit of Canis Mayor and 3.4 degrees South East from Messier 50, we found a moderate bright and very rich cluster with approximately 50 members. Magnitude 6 star SAO 152598 dominates the frame and it is located at 2.4 k light years. The object presents an irregular shape and is located in a populated star field. Below center small galaxy PGC 76827 is visible despite its 18.3 magnitude versus the strong polluted sky background of Martinez.