The Wishing Well Cluster ( NGC 3532 ) in Carina (re-processed)

[MikeODay]

The Wishing Well Cluster ( NGC 3532 ) in the consetllation Carina

( click on image to see full size / best resolution )

 

This large bright open cluster, when seen through a small telescope, looks like a collection of brightly gleaming silver coins shimmering at the bottom of a wishing well and hence the name. First recorded in 1752 by Nicolas Lacaille, NGC 3532 contains around 120 stars superimposed on the expanse of the Milkyway and is visible with the naked eye from lower latitudes.

Links:

https://500px.com/MikeODay

http://photo.net/photos/MikeODay

Details:

Co-ordinates:  ~ RA 11h 6.4m, Dec -58 deg 50.5'
Skywatcher Quattro 10" f4 Newtonian
Skywatcher AZ Eq6 GT Mount
Orion Short Tube 80mm guide scope & auto guider - PHD2
Baader MPCC Mark 3 Coma Corrector
Hutech IDAS D1 Light Pollution Filter
Nikon D5300 (unmodified)
Field of view (deg) ~ 1.35 x 0.90
36 subs ranging from 30 sec 300 sec ISO 200
Pixinsight & Photoshop

10th April 2016

re-processed to increase colour saturation.

 

[laudropb]

Very nice image.

[mikeskor]

A really good image and I enjoyed the educational information.

[MikeODay]

Thanks guys, much appreciated.

[southernman]

Great image!   This is an amazing cluster visually as well. 

Peter 

[MikeODay]

Thanks Peter.

[Scroxford]

Observing it just now and it truly is awe-inspiring. Thank you for a beautiful photograph.

[simmo39]

V nice that!.

[Eduardo Ventura]

Oh WOW!!! reat image... Awesome detail in this lovely jewel laden wishing well...

Cheers,

[PatrickGilliland]

Nicely done Mike, crisp and colourful.

Paddy

[Tom OD]

Lovely star colours there. 

Tom. 

[mikey2000]

Someone said 'crisp' - Yes indeed!  The back story is really interesting too.  To think that the stars have been there for millions of years but it took a recent human to notice the pennies-in-a-well look is mind-boggling.  That and the fact there are so *many* little star dots in the background of this small slice of our sky.

 

Great pic  - it reminds me why I want to look upwards

[MikeODay]

Thank you all very much for your very kind comments, they are much appreciated.

Cheers

Mike