Beehive Cluster

This image captures the Beehive Cluster (M44), an open star cluster located in the Cancer constellation. Also known as Praesepe, this cluster lies approximately 577 light-years away from Earth. It formed around 600 million years ago and contains over 1,000 stars, many of which are similar to our Sun. The Beehive Cluster is one of the nearest open clusters to our solar system and is visible to the naked eye under dark skies.

The image was taken from the mountains of Ras Al Khaimah, UAE, using a Samyang 135mm f/1.8 lens and a ZWO ASI294MC Pro (cooled) camera. A Optolong L-Quad Enhance filter was used to enhance contrast and reduce light pollution, revealing more details of the cluster. The total exposure time was 1 hour and 15 minutes, with 15 frames of 300 seconds each.

Samyang 135mm f1.8
Svbony Mini Guider Scope 30mm/120mm F4
iOptron HAE43
ZWO ASI294MC - Pro (cooled)
Gain: 120

Pixinsight
Photoshop