Wild Duck Cluster

Messier 11 was first discovered by the Swiss astronomer Philibert Jacques Melotte in 1908. It is estimated to be around 220 million years old and is relatively close to us, at a distance of approximately 6,200 light-years from Earth. This cluster is named the "Wild Duck" because, under dark skies and with a little imagination, its arrangement of stars can resemble a flying V formation of ducks.

What makes Messier 11 particularly captivating is its rich population of stars. It contains hundreds of stars, with a concentration of brighter, more massive ones toward the center. The cluster spans about 20 to 25 light-years across, making it an ideal target for amateur astronomers armed with binoculars or small telescopes.

Sessions

Total Integration Time:

Sept. 12, 2023 - 13 * 180.0 seconds
Optolong L-Pro

Catalogues

Messier New General Catalogue

Targets

M11 NGC6705

Gear

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