M53 – Globular Cluster in Coma Berenices

Telescope: Unitron 155 4” f/15 refractor, Atlas EQ-G

Camera: QHY 367c Pro, –20C, GSO IR Blocking Filter

Guide scope: Orion 50mm Guidescope, ASI120MM, PHD

Exposure: 12x300sec, gain 2800, offset 50, saved as FITS, dithered every 2 images

Darks: 32, -20C, gain 2800, offset 50, saved as FITS

Flats: 64×0.5sec, Tee shirt flats taken at dusk

Average Light Pollution: Red zone, Bortle 8, poor transparency

Lensed Sky Quality Meter: 18.2

Stacking: Average, 1 sigma clip

White Balance: Nebulosity Automatic

Software: SharpCap Pro, Deep Sky Stacker, Nebulosity, Photoshop

M53 is a moderately bright and rich globular cluster located just to the northeast of Alpha Comae Berenices (Diadem). Located approximately 60,000 light years from the galactic center and 58,000 light years from the sun, M53 is one of the more distant globular clusters.

M53 is currently well-placed high overhead at sunset.