M36

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This is M36, an open cluster of relatively young stars in the constellation, Auriga.  M36 is about 4,100 light years distant and about 14 light years across.  Because the stars of M36 are so young, about 30 million years old, there are no red giants present yet.

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Date:  12/22/2006

Location:  Cheddar Ranch Observatory

Telescope:  LX200 10" SCT @ f/6.3

Mount:  AP-1200

Camera:  Canon 350D, Modified, Type 1

Exposure Count:  21 x 3 minutes, 63 minutes total exposure

Guiding:  Orion 80ED, ST402, CCDOPS