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Winter Bees!

Discussion in 'Astrophotography and Imaging' started by Orion25, Feb 15, 2022.

Winter Bees!

Started by Orion25 on Feb 15, 2022 at 8:28 PM

5 Replies 1225 Views 1 Likes

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  1. Orion25

    Orion25 Well-Known Member

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    Orion25, Feb 15, 2022
    #1
    I captured images of two spectacular open clusters recently that are visible in winter from the Northern Hemisphere, M41 (The "Little" Beehive) and M44 (The "Big" Beehive). M41 is more compact and colorful. M44 covers more celestial real estate and is more spread out. Do you have a favorite here?

    M41
    ASTRONOMY - M41 LITTLE BEEHIVE 2-11-22.jpg

    M44
    ASTRONOMY - M44 BEEHIVE CLUSTER 2-11-22.jpg

    WINTER BEEZZZ!:eek::eek:
     
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  2. Ed D

    Ed D Well-Known Member

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    Ed D, Feb 16, 2022
    #2
    Both images are nice. My preference is the "Little Beehive" because it appears denser. I have always enjoyed observing M41.

    Ed
     
  3. Orion25

    Orion25 Well-Known Member

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    Orion25, Feb 16, 2022
    #3
    Thanks, Ed. I like the "Little Beehive" better, too, for the same reason. I can see it in full even in my 127mm Mak with a 32mm EP! In fact, that's the scope I used to get the prime focus image, lol :D
     
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  4. Mak the Night

    Mak the Night Well-Known Member

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    Mak the Night, Feb 16, 2022
    #4
    Great bees Reggie. The Little Beehive as always been one of my favourites. I think the big red star is a Red Giant.
     
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  5. Orion25

    Orion25 Well-Known Member

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    Orion25, Feb 16, 2022
    #5
    Thanks, Dave. I prefer the Little Beehive, too. It's a nice compact and distinct grouping of stars in its area of sky. This is the best image I've gotten of it so far. The stars were a tad bloated in my previous image.
     
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  6. Mak the Night

    Mak the Night Well-Known Member

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    Mak the Night, Feb 16, 2022
    #6
    Yeah, it's a nice image. The Little Beehive is just above Cr 121. I find I can frame M41 nicely with my 72ED and a 6.7mm ES 82 degree EP for around 63x. It's low for me though, as I live a lot nearer the North Pole than you do lol.
     
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