NGC 3532 Open Cluster
click on image for a spectacular widefield context (only 135 KB)
The Eta Carina nebula (NGC 3372) gets a bit of a mention now and again,
but its near neighbour the large open cluster NGC 3532 hardly ever gets a mention. Matter
of fact it doesn't even have a name. It is embedded within one of the brightest patches of
the Milky Way yet stands out naked-eye with its own brilliant densely packed collection of
up to 200 medium to bright stars. I remember my first look at it through the old Tasco
telescope and boy didn't it look spectacular. Like hundreds of little diamonds. It remains
one of my favorites.
Click the image above to open a widefield shot showing the Great Carina Nebula (NGC 3372)
on the right, and NGC 3532 on the left. The image is about 5 degrees wide and was captured
piggyback in 2x6min exposures in a 350D at f7.1, ASA1600 through a 300mm lens.
Back to see more Nebulas
|
