M44, The Beehive Cluster: A Captivating View Through a 70mm Telescope
This image showcases M44, also known as the Beehive Cluster or Praesepe, a stunning open cluster in the constellation Cancer. Captured with a Dianfan 70mm/400mm telescope and a Samsung A53 5G smartphone, this photograph offers a unique perspective on this celestial marvel.
The Art of Capturing the Cosmos
The astrophotographer behind this image shared their process, highlighting the use of a 70mm aperture telescope with a focal length of 400mm. The image was taken using a Samsung A53 5G smartphone, demonstrating the accessibility of capturing deep-sky objects with modern mobile technology.
Understanding Star Trails
An exposure of 4 seconds was used for this capture. As noted by the astrophotographer, this duration resulted in visible star trails. This phenomenon occurs when celestial bodies appear to move across the sky during the exposure time, especially without a tracking mount. While shorter exposures can eliminate these trails, they often require stacking many more images to achieve a similar total exposure time.
Processing and Enhancements
The image was processed in Adobe Photoshop, a common tool for refining astrophotographic images. This likely involved adjustments to contrast, color, and noise reduction to bring out the details of the cluster.
A First for M44
This image marks a significant milestone as it is the astrophotographer's first capture of M44. It's a testament to their dedication and growing skill in the field of astrophotography.
Equipment and Settings:
- Telescope: Dianfan 70mm/400mm
- Camera: Samsung A53 5G
- Exposure: 4 seconds
- Filter: None
- Processing: Adobe Photoshop
Behold the Beehive Cluster!
This image of M44 invites us to appreciate the vastness and beauty of our universe, even from our own backyards, with accessible equipment and a passion for the stars.
