h Per, NGC7331, M56, and NGC281 on September 28, 2005

h Per on September 28, 2005.  Prime focus (f/8.0).  Total integration time 164×8.53 sec = 23 min.  This is central core of h Per, an open cluster of about 320 stars that is stunning in a pair of binoculars or at low magnification in a telescope.  It is about 2,230 pc distant.

NGC 7331 on September 28, 2005.  Prime focus (f/8.0).  Total integration time 430×8.53 sec = 61 min.

M56 (NGC 6779).  Total integration time 424×8.53 sec = 60 min.  This globular cluster lies roughly 9,800 pc distant.  The horizontal branch (HB) of this cluster is at V magnitude 16.3, which is the magnitude at which large numbers of cluster stars become visible.

NGC 281 on September 28, 2005.  Prime focus (f/8.0).  Total integration time 209×8.53 sec = 30 min.  NGC 281 is the nebulosity associated with the open cluster IC 1590