I’ve gone Inside M46 Open Star Cluster to take a look at NGC 2438 Planetary Nebula (Cheerio in the Sky)
Messier 46 or M46, also known as NGC 2437, is an open cluster of stars shining at magnitude 6, it is about 5,545 Light years away in the slightly southern
constellation of Puppis.
NGC 2438 planetary nebula is a dying star blowing off its outer atmosphere and is actually in front of the cluster, shining at magnitude 10, and is 1,370 light years away.
I was testing out my old ZWO224MC uncooled planetary camera with ASI Air for automated capture of Bright Planetary Nebulae (dying stars) and other small but bright targets,
with a 6 inch F5 Newt. scope. 60 x 30 second exposures stacked. 30 minute total integration.
I love watching the automated capture of these objects as they pop up on my IPAD via Wifi from the ASI AIR, every few seconds to minutes without having to brave the cold,
I paid my frigid dues over the 30+ years, especially back in the days of film and early CCD.
The tech and apps/software still amazes me today. and all done from my backyard observatory in the city.
This image is visible light, no LPR filters, done with “Lucky Imaging Method” (many short exposures)…via ASI Air and App on my IPAD.
22 x 17 arc minute FOV, 1.02 arc sec/pixel, I’m always trying the push the limits with minimal setups.
Best Regards,
John Chumack
www.galacticimages.com
