Double Cluster in Perseus

Under Eustis' dark skies the Double Cluster is easily visible with the naked eye as a fuzzy patch to the left the W shape formed by the stars of the constellation of Cassiopeia the queen. Lying at a distance of 7,500 light years. The two components, often designated χ Persei (left) and h Persei, weigh in at 3,700 and 4,700 solar masses respectively. These clusters are comprised of hot, young, massive stars that form the core of the Perseus OB1 Association and are only about 14 million years old.

This image a 1 hour total exposure made with a 5 inch telescope from Eustis Ridge on November 12^th, 2023.