Messier 34 (M34) stands as a captivating open star cluster within the Perseus constellation. Comprising around 100 youthful, brilliantly hot stars, M34 rests some 1,500 light-years away from Earth, spanning a vast 35 light-years in diameter. Visible to the naked eye in dark skies, this cluster captivates both amateur and professional astronomers alike.
With an age of approximately 200 million years, M34 serves as a prime canvas for unraveling the mysteries of stellar evolution and the intricate dynamics governing star clusters. Emerging from a shared molecular cloud of gas and dust, the stars of M34 offer a snapshot into their origin and development.
Its luminous stars coalesce in a formation resembling a condensed version of the renowned Pleiades cluster. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, Messier 34 plays a pivotal role in understanding the evolution of stars and the structural intricacies of our Milky Way galaxy. Astronomers harness its proximity and distinct visibility to probe the features of nascent stars.
M34 beckons astronomers to investigate its composition, age, and internal dynamics, shedding light on the intricate interplay between stars within a cluster. This celestial exhibit invites sky gazers to contemplate the past, present, and future of stars while offering a glimpse into the complex journey from stellar nurseries to the cosmos at large.
Capture Details:
Date Image captured: 8/17/2023
Telescope: Celestron Nexstar 8se
Reducer/Flattener: Celestron .63x Reducer/Flattener
Filter: Optolong L-Pro
Camera: ZWO ASI294 MC
Mount: Skywatcher EQM-35 Pro
Total Captured:
Total Time:
Capture Software: N.I.N.A.
Guiding: PHD2, ZWO asi120mm mini
Processed in: PixInsight
Additional details on Astrobin.com.