M48 – Open Cluster in Hydra

Telescope: ES Comet Hunter MN6 at f/4.8, Orion Atlas EQ-G

Camera: Baader modified Nikon 610

Filter: High Point 2” IR Blocking Filter

Guide scope: Williams Optics 50mm, ASI290MM mini, PHD

Exposure: 23x60sec, ISO 200, saved as RAW

Darks: Internal (Long Exposure Noise Reduction On)

Flats: 32×1/4sec, tee shirt flats taken at dusk

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

Lensed Sky Quality Meter: 18.0 mag/arc-sec^2

Stacking: Mean with a 2-sigma clip.

White Balance: Nebulosity Automatic

Software: Backyard Nikon, Nebulosity, Deep Sky Stacker, Photoshop

M48 is a rich open cluster located in western Hydra near the border with Monoceros in a relatively open stretch of sky on the fringe of the Milky Way. A fine object in binoculars or small telescope it may even be glimpsed without an optical aid under dark skies. This is another fine example of the wide field offered by the combination of the DHL Comet Hunter and a full-frame DSLR.

M48 is currently well placed in the evening sky high in the south after sunset.