Intro

NGC 2183 is a reflection nebula locate in the constellation Monoceros, discovered in 1850 by an Irish engineer named Bindon Stoney. It is located near the celestial equator and is visible from both hemispheres at certain times throughout the year, NGC 2183 has a B magnitude of 15.15 and can be seen through a telescope with an aperture of at least 20 inches or 500mm. 

 

In order to study 2183 and investigate the relationships between the colours, brightness, and the age and chemical composition of the cluster as a whole, I collected 15 images in total using B,V and R filters (5 for each) for exposure lengths of 95, 45, and 25 seconds respectively. This was made possible by Skynet and their PROMPT5 telescope, I then used Afterglow to combine and edit my images, as well as  Cluster Pro Plus from Skynet’s plotting feature to find additional information about this nebula including the distance, reddening, and metallicity. 

 

Data

 

Estimated Proper Motion in RA:	-3.876 ± 1.59 mas/yr
Estimated Proper Motion in Dec:	0.462 ± 1.501 mas/yr
Distance (kpc):	0.82 ± 19.49%
Calculated age (year):	3,981,071.7
Metallicity (solar):	0.38
Reddening (mag):	0.87

 

 

Conclusion

This star cluster project was an overall positive experience, from the hands on data analysis and image preparation to the small portion of research required to further my understanding. This is a great way to learn and gain hands on experience for beginner astronomers and I would definitely recommend if you’re someone who is interested in space and the cosmos.