About this Object:
Messier 2 or M2 (also designated NGC 7089) is a globular cluster in the constellation Aquarius. M2 is about 37,500 light-years away from Earth. At 175 light-years in diameter, it is one of the larger globular clusters known. The cluster is rich, compact, and significantly elliptical. It is 13 billion years old and one of the older globulars associated with the Milky Way Galaxy. M2 contains about 150,000 stars, including 21 known variable stars. Its brightest stars are red and yellow giants.

About this Photo:
Date(s): September 7, 2012
Location: From my driveway in Georgetown, Texas
Telescope: Celestron C9.25 @ F10
Mount: CGEM
Guiding: Orion StarShoot AutoGuider / Taurus Tracker III OAG
Camera: Canon 40D Modified
Filter: None
Exposure: 9 x 180s @ ISO1600 (27 Min total)
Acquisition: ImagesPlus 3.75 Camera Control
Processing: ImagesPlus 3.75 – Darks,Flats,Bias
Post-processing: Adobe Photoshop CS3; Gradient Exterminator; Noel Carboni's Tools;
Temperature(s): 75º F