M-34 In Perseus 
M-34 is another large open cluster in a star rich portion of the sky.   It covers about the same area of the sky as a full moon does.   If you can find the constellation Perseus, you should be able to find it in binoculars.  It is about five degrees from the variable star Algol (about magnitude 2).  If you you find M-34, look about 1/2 way between it and the magnitude 2 star, Almaak (Gamma And)  and you might just be able to glimpse the edge on galaxy NGC 891.  This will probably require a 6-8 in scope though.   

    Constellation:  Perseus

    Size:  35 arcmin 

    Magnitude:  5.2

    Number of Stars:  60

    RA:  02h 42m 08s

    Dec: +42d 45m 00s

This is a 2 min exposure of M-34 taken with the 90 mm Orion MAK 500.  The limiting magnitude is about 13.6.  Compare it to the image below taken with the 8" LX 200.
Scope:  90 mm Orion MAK 500
M-5C CCD Camera
Focal Ratio: f5.5
Exposure:  2 min 

This image has a limiting magnitude of about 16.6
Scope:  8" LX 200 SCT
M-5C CCD Camera & STAR 2000
Focal Ratio: f3.3
Exposure:  10 Minutes
Link to SEDS M-34 Page
Back One Page
Home