M2 - Globular Cluster

M2 is a globular cluster in the constellation of Aquarius. It contains about 150,000 stars, including 21 known variable stars. M2 is about 37,500 light-years distant from Earth. At 175 light-years in diameter, it is one of the larger globular clusters known and can be seen with binoculars or the naked eye under dark skies. At 13 billion years old it is one of the older globular clusters in the Milky Way Galaxy (source: wikipedia).

This was the first celestial image I took with my newly modified Canon EOS Rebel T3i (600D). The modification work was done by Hap Griffin at Imaging Infinity. Hap has several options available for DSLR modification. I chose to have the IR Filter Replaced with the Astrodon UV/IR block filter. This modification passes hydrogen-alpha light but blocks IR. This modification will be especially noticeable on images of nebulae with high ionized hydrogen concentration, however, it does allow a bit more light to pass through so other images will benefit as well.

Closeup

M2
Location: Happy Frog Observatory, Monroe, CT
Date/Time: 09/24/16 11:45 pm
Camera: Canon EOS Rebel T3i(a), Backyard EOS
Telescope: Orion ED80 80mm f/7.5 Apochromatic Refractor Telescope
Barlow: None
Focal Length: 600mm
f/7.5
Mount: Orion Sirius EQ-G GoTo Telescope Mount
Filter: Astrodon UV/IR
Autoguiding: QHY-5L-II-M attached to an Agena 50mm Guide Scope with Helical Focuser
Exposure: 28 x 120 sec (56 min)
ISO: 800
Temp: 27 C
Post Processing: Deep Sky Stacker, Photoshop, Lightroom

Wide-field

M2

Location: Happy Frog Observatory, Monroe, CT
Date/Time: 09/24/16 11:45 pm
Camera: Canon EOS Rebel T3i(a), Backyard EOS
Telescope: Orion ED80 80mm f/7.5 Apochromatic Refractor Telescope
Barlow: None
Focal Length: 600mm
f/7.5
Mount: Orion Sirius EQ-G GoTo Telescope Mount
Filter: Astrodon UV/IR
Autoguiding: QHY-5L-II-M attached to an Agena 50mm Guide Scope with Helical Focuser
Exposure: 28 x 120 sec (56 min)
ISO: 800
Temp: 27 C
Post Processing: Deep Sky Stacker, Photoshop, Lightroom