NGC 2168, also known as Messier 35, is a star cluster located in the constellation Gemini. The cluster was discovered by Philippe Loys de Chéseaux and independently by John Bevis in the mid-18th century. It is located about 2,970 light-years away from Earth and is a relatively young open cluster estimated to be 175 million years old.

NGC 2168 Intersteller Medium De-reddened

 

 

NGC 2168 Intersteller Medium Reddened

 

I used the Skynet Robotic Telescope Network to capture images of the cluster. The telescopes used were PROMT5 and PROMPT-USASK. I collected 15 total images using B, V, and R filters, collecting 5 images for each filter. Each image was collected 1 hour apart, with exposure times of 35 seconds for B, 12 seconds for V, and 20 seconds for R. I then used Afterglow and Cluster Pro Plus to analyze the cluster.

Cluster Pro Plus Graph

 

The graph above shows the HR diagram I plotted using my estimated Proper Motion, Distance, log(Age), Metallicity, and E(B-V). I found there was one Blue Straggler, and one Red Giant in the cluster. The E(B-V) value I determined allowed me to de-redden the color combined image I made in Afterglow. As part of the research, I also made a graph using data collected from the Milky Way Star Clusters Catalog. The study was done before the Gaia mission, and did not use metallicity as a variable.

 

Cluster Pro Plus Milky War Star Clusters Graph

The graph’s were fairly close, with my most of my data landing within the estimated error rates in the Catalog’s data. My estimated Age was outside of the catalog’s error rates.

This research has expanded my knowledge by providing valuable insights into the properties and evolution of star clusters. By studying the cluster’s age, metallicity, and other characteristics, I have gained a deeper understanding of the processes that govern the formation and evolution of stars in the universe. This work shows the importance of continued research into star clusters, which still are an important area of study in modern astronomy.