M6 and NGC 6416

The image of these two clusters is about 3.5 degrees South of the Milky Way Galactic Center. They are of course a closer distance than the Galactic Center which is not seen in visual spectrum. In this image, the upper part looks like empty space behind the clusters and field stars. It is in reality a wall of dust that obscures the central areas of our galaxy. Image and exposure / processing details are at:

http://www.jthommes.com/Astro/M6_NGC6416.htm

Scope - Zenithstar 66 APO at f/4.5 (WO FFIII)
Camera - Artemis285 - Astronomik HaLRGB filters
Mount - G11/Gemini
Guiding - C8 at 1350 mm FL, DSI Pro, Phd Guiding

Some other earlier (webcam) images of M6 are here:

http://www.jthommes.com/MiscAstro/Archives/M6_NGC6416.htm

Very pretty Jim!

Beautiful shot. I love the depth conveyed and the rich contrasting colors. Also, the numerous "chains" of stars are interesting. They remind me of panning the milkyway with a large dob under pristine skies. My eye/brain would always "find" these chains...I guess it must be the way our minds process images...always looking for patterns.

David

Wonderful star colors!

Tom

Beautiful pairing there Jim.
The dark nebula and Milky Way make a perfect background!



Jason

Thanks for the comments folks.

David, I too notice the star strings. I think there is something about our visual wiring that draws our eyes to them.