Open Cluster M34

Messier 34 (M34) is an open star cluster situated in the constellation Perseus. It is characterized by a grouping of about 100 young, hot, and luminous stars. M34 is located approximately 1,500 light-years away from Earth and spans over 35 light-years in diameter. The cluster is easily visible to the naked eye under dark skies.M34 is relatively young, with an estimated age of about 200 million years, making it an interesting target for studying stellar evolution and the dynamics of star clusters. The stars in M34 share a common origin, forming from the same molecular cloud of gas and dust.The cluster's bright stars form a noticeable pattern that resembles a miniature version of the famous Pleiades cluster. M34 serves as an excellent subject for amateur astronomers and a key object for astronomers studying the properties of star clusters, stellar evolution, and the structure of our Milky Way galaxy. Its proximity and visibility make it a popular object for observing and studying the characteristics of young stars.

Sessions

Total Integration Time:

Aug. 17, 2023 - 72 * 120.0 seconds
Optolong L-Pro

Catalogues

Messier New General Catalogue

Targets

M34 NGC1039

Gear

Telescope: Celestron Nexstar 8se
Camera: ZWO ASI294MC Pro
Mount: Sky-Watcher EQM-35 Pro