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The Double Cluster is actually two separate open star clusters in Perseus. These objects didn't make
the Messier list, but they're near the top of all popular observer's lists. The pair of clusters can
be appreciated in binoculars and wide-field instruments, while larger telescopes offer a nice view of the individual
clusters themselves. The first image below is a wide-field (albeit ugly) image spanning 2.0 x 2.7 degrees. Below
it is NGC 869, the cluster to the right in the first image. Last is NGC 884, the cluster to the left. These
clusters are just a few hundred light-years apart.
Brighter stars in the first image show diffraction spikes created by the iris on the telephoto lens, a common
problem with this technique. The spikes are likely to be in the infrared region, adding to the soft focus.
The NGC 869 image was plagued by tracking errors so only one shot out of ten was a keeper. Last time I hit zero
out of ten; my telescope doesn't want to guide properly in that region.
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Object Details - NGC 869:
Type: Open
Cluster
Constellation: Perseus
Distance:
7100 light-years
Size: 62 light-years
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Object Details - NGC 884:
Type: Open
Cluster
Constellation: Perseus
Distance:
7400 light-years
Size: 65 light-years
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Double Cluster (NGC 869 and 884)
Date: Oct. 19, 2003
Site: Harahan, LA
Exposure: CCD, 3
x 60 sec.
Lens: 135 mm, f/4.0
Filters: K2 yellow
Processing: MSB Astroart 3.0
CCD:
Starlight Express MX7C
Autoguider: S.T.A.R. 2000
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NGC 869 Open Cluster
Date:
Aug. 07, 2004
Site: Harahan, LA
Exposure:
CCD, 1 x 60 sec.
Filters: Orion SkyGlow LPR
Processing: MSB Astroart 3.0
Telescope: 10"
Meade LX200
Reducer: Meade f/4.3
CCD: Starlight Express MX7C
Autoguider: S.T.A.R. 2000
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NGC 884 Open Cluster
Date:
Aug. 07, 2004
Site: Harahan, LA
Exposure:
CCD, 5 x 60 sec.
Filters: Orion SkyGlow LPR
Processing: MSB Astroart 3.0
Telescope: 10"
Meade LX200
Reducer: Meade f/4.3
CCD: Starlight Express MX7C
Autoguider: S.T.A.R. 2000
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