M2 - GLOBULAR CLUSTER

Aquarius

(ra: 21:33.5 / dec -00:49)

DATA

TYPE: Globular Cluster

APARENT MAGNITUDE: 6.5

SIZE: 12.9 arcs minutes

DISTANCE: 37.500 light years

OBJECT DESCRIPTION

M2 is a relative bright globular cluster which contains 150,000 stars. Its a class II Globular and it has a diameter of about 175 light-years. Located beyond the Galactic Center, its brightest stars shines at magnitud 13.1, while in its branch there are stars with 16.1 brightness. It can be detecterd with moderate size telescopes, but then its diameter goes to 6 or 7 arc minutes. Although I knew it was there, it was hardly visible through my finder scope.

M2 could be found rather easily from Alpha and Beta Aquarii, as well as Epsilon Pegasi. It is 5 degrees north of Beta Aquarii, on the same declination as Alpha Aquarii. Dicovered by italian Scientist Jean Dominique Maraldi in 1746. Charles Messier independently rediscovered and cathalogued in 1760.

IMAGE INFORMATION

SCOPE:Celestron C8 (SCT) at @ F6.3

MOUNT: Vixen GPDX. Sky Sensor 2000

SKY CONDITIONS: visual magnitud 4 with quarter moon. Decent seeing.

CAMERA SXV M7

FILTERS: Astronomik Type II. Atik filter wheel.

EXPOSURES: LRGB (10,5,5,7). Subs 60 secpnds

GUIDING: Synta 70/400 Refractor and SXV Guide Head

IMAGE ADQUISITION: Astro Art CCD Control Interphase 3.71

CALIBRATED: Dark, flats, bias in Images Plus2.75. Processed Photoshop CS