It is one of the brightest and best-known globular clusters in the northern sky, containing over 100,000 stars bound together by gravity. These stars are predominantly old, low-metallicity Population II stars, formed during the early stages of our galaxy’s evolution. The cluster spans roughly 145 light-years in diameter, with stellar density increasing dramatically towards the core.
This image was another unguided test of the telescope, where I checked the holding power of the modified focuser. The next test will be with a new guide camera and OAG, which will allow me to increase the exposure time and capture fainter targets.
Equipment:
- Modified SkyWatcher Explorer 200P-DS
- Optolong L-Quad
- ZWO ASI533MC-Pro
- SkyWatcher EQ6R-Pro
- Unguided
PixInsight DSO Processing:
- WBPP
- SPFC
- SPCC
- GraXpert BE
- BlurX
- NoiseX
- SetiAstro Statistical Stretch
- Curves
Lightroom Processing:
- Contrast enhancement
- Black Level
- Clarity increase
- Dehaze
by JohnNedelcu