NGC 6231, also known as the Northern Jewel Box, is an open cluster located near Zeta Scorpii. This cluster is estimated about 3.2 million years old, and is approaching the Solar System at 22 km/s. The cluster belongs to the young Scorpius OB1 association. Zeta1 Scorpii (spectral type O8 and magnitude 4.71.) is the brightest star in the association, and one of the most radiant stars known in the galaxy.
Imaging telescopes or lenses: Astro-Physics 152mm f/7.5 Starfire EDF
Imaging cameras: FLI ProLine Proline 16803
Mounts: Software Bisque Paramount MX
Guiding telescopes or lenses: Takahashi FS-60C
Guiding cameras: Starlight Xpress Superstar
Focal reducers: Astro-Physics AP 4.0″ Field Flattener
Software: PixInsight 1.8, Software Bisque TheSky6 Professional, FocusMax, Cyanogen Maxim DL Pro 5, Photoshop CS Photo Shop CS5, CCD Autopilot 5
Filters: Astrodon E-series LRGB Ha 5nm
Accessories: Sirius Dome
Dates: April 17, 2014
Frames: 27×1200″
Integration: 9.0 hours
Author: David Nguyen
AstroPhotography of the day by SPONLI
21 April 2014