The Messier Ten Minute Challenge

M6 - Open Cluster in Scopius

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This image was created by median combining 7 x 30 second images using B, V and R filters taken with a Takahashi Epsilon 250 with SBIG ST-8XE CCD. The image has been cut down to be 25 x 25 arc minutes in size.

The open cluster M6 (NGC 6405) is also known as the Butterfly Cluster. At a distance of about 1,600 light-years the diameter of the cluster is 12 light-years. The age of the cluster is said to be between 95 and 100 million years.

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In collaboration with the Remote Astronomical Society Observatory

Martin Nicholson - Daventry, United Kingdom.

This page was last updated on April 15th 2009.