M35 - Open Star Cluster in Gemini
Copyright 2001 Hap Griffin
M35 is an open cluster of approximately 200 stars covering an area of sky similar to the apparent diameter of the full Moon (about a half degree). At a distance of 2800 light years, this corresponds to a size of about 24 light years across. The more distant cluster, NGC 2158 can be seen faintly at the lower right.
M35 can be seen rather easily naked eye as a faint patch of light near the three "foot" stars of Gemini.
Date/Location:
December 30, 2000 Griffin/Hunter
Observatory Bethune, SC
Instrument: Meade f6.3 10" LX-200
Focal Ratio: Approx. f4 (utilizing focal reducer in GEG)
Guiding: Manual - Lumicon GEG
Conditions: Visually clear, but with moderate high level water
vapor
Weather: COLD! (16 F), Light breeze
Film: Kodak Elite Chrome 200
Exposure: 1 x 15 minutes
Filters: None