Telescope: Astro-Tech 8” f/8 Ritchey-Chretien, Orion Atlas EQ-G
Camera: Full Spectrum Modified Nikon D810, Baader Mk III MPCC
Filter: GSO IR Blocking Filter
Guide scope: Astro-Tech 60mm, ZWO ASI120MM mini, PHD2
Exposure: 43x60sec, ISO 200, saved as RAW
Darks: Internal (Long Exposure Noise Reduction On)
Flats: 32×1/20sec, Tee shirt flats taken at dusk
Average Light Pollution: Red zone, Bortle 8, poor transparency
Lensed Sky Quality Meter: 18.1
Stacking: Mean with a 1-sigma clip.
White Balance: Nebulosity Automatic
Software: Backyard Nikon, Nebulosity, Photoshop
M62 is one of several small globular clusters that are well placed for observing during the early evening hours this time of year. M62 appears small in part due to its great distance; 25,000 light years from Earth and 5,500 light years from the galactic core. It is actually one of the larger clusters in the Milky Way with an estimated mass of 1.2 million suns. Visually, M62 appears a bit lop-sided with the core shifted off-center to the east giving it a comet-like appearance. This may be a result of the cluster’s close proximity to the galactic core.
M62 is currently placed low in the south at dusk.
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