Object: NGC 6820 is a small reflection nebula near the open cluster NGC 6823 in Vulpecula. The reflection nebula and cluster are embedded in a large faint emission nebula called Sh 2-86. The whole area of nebulosity is often referred to as NGC 6820. M27, the Dumbbell Nebula, is found three degrees to the east. Open star cluster NGC 6823 is about 50 light-years across and lies about 6,000 light-years away. The center of the cluster formed about two million years ago and is dominated in brightness by a host of bright young blue stars. Outer parts of the cluster contain even younger stars. It forms the core of the Vulpecula OB1 stellar association.
Taken: September 6 & 7, 2024
Telescope: Astro-Tech 14 inch RC with Starizona Apex ED 0.65x reducer
Mount: Paramount ME II unguided
Camera: ZWO ASI2600MC-Pro (cooled to 0C; Gain: 100) Bin 1×1.
Focuser: Moonlite Nitecrawler
Rotator: Moonlite Nitecrawler
Filters used: Optolong L-Quad Enhance 2″ with a Starizona 2″ filter drawer
Exposures: 218×90 seconds, for a total exposure time of 5.45 hours; calibrated with 40 dark frames, 40 flat frames with 40 flat-darks
Seeing Conditions: Average. Bortle 5 region.
Image capture and telescope control: Nighttime Imaging ‘N’ Astronomy with (N.I.N.A.) / TheSkyX Pro with a SkyShed POD MAX observatory.
Processed with PixInsight and Photoshop CC 2024