M47 Open Cluster in Puppis
Copyright 2001 Hap Griffin
Open cluster M47 is a bright cluster which can be glimpsed with the naked eye under good conditions as the westernmost of two close, dim patches of light (the other is M46) just east of the bright star, Sirius. At a distance of 1600 light-years, it is a coarse cluster of bright stars, and contains about 50 stars in a region 12 light years in diameter.
Date/Location:
February 26, 2001 Griffin/Hunter
Observatory Bethune, SC
Instrument: Meade f6.3 10" LX-200
Focal Ratio: Approx. f4 (utilizing focal reducer in GEG)
Guiding: Auto - SBIG ST4 through Orion ST80
Conditions: Visually clear
Weather: 40 F, calm
Film: Kodak Elite Chrome 200
Exposure: 1 x 30 minutes
Filters: None
Processing: Finished in Photoshop 5