Messier 7 - Ptolemy's Cluster
Messier 7 - Ptolemy's Cluster
Located against the rich starfield of the Milky Way in the direction of Scorpius, the open cluster Messier 7 stands out through its beautiful blue stars, a sign they are quite young – their age is not bigger than 200 million years. It is also known as Ptolemy’s Cluster, because he observed it since 2nd century AD, describing it as a nebula visible with the naked eye. In 1764, Charles Messier catalogued it, counting around 30 stars.
Today, we know that the cluster has around 100 stars spread over 25 light-years. These are more massive than the Sun, their total mass being 730 that of our local star.
Today, we know that the cluster has around 100 stars spread over 25 light-years. These are more massive than the Sun, their total mass being 730 that of our local star.
SPECIFICATIONS
Telescope
Planewave CDK 24” f/6,5
Camera
FLI ProLine PL9000
Location
Chile 1
Date of observation
April-August 2022
Filters
LRGB
Processing
PixInsight