NGC 654 – Open Cluster in Cassiopeia

Telescope: Astro-Tech 8” f/8 Ritchey-Chretien, Orion Atlas EQ-G

Camera: ZWO ASI071MC Pro, -10C, Gain 200, Baader Mk III MPCC

Filter: Orion Imaging Skyglow Filter

Guide scope: Astro-Tech 60mm, Meade DSI Pro II, PHD

Exposure: 20x180s, saved as FITS

Darks: 32x180s, saved as FITS

Flats: 32×0.2s, sky flats taken at dusk

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

Lensed Sky Quality Meter: 18.4 mag/arc-sec^2

Stacking: Mean with a 2-sigma clip.

White Balance: Nebulosity Automatic

Software: Nebulosity, Deep Sky Stacker, Photoshop

NGC 654 is a beautiful little open cluster in Cassiopeia. A bit faint for small telescopes, but nicely condensed in modest size telescopes. I first spotted this little gem while star-hopping Cassiopeia with an 8” SCT.

NGC 654 is currently well placed high overhead after sunset. (Photo credit: John Graham, 11-12-2020)