NGC 2659 is a young open cluster in the Vela constellation. NGC 2659 was discovered by John Herschel on the 3rd of February 1835. The cluster is approximately 1.7 kpc away at the coordinates 08 42 36 44 59 00. The core of the cluster is approximately 1.93 parsec in diameter or around 6.3 light years across.

 

 

Figure 1: Reddened and De-reddened Images of NGC 2659 edited in afterglow and captured used Skynet.

To study NGC 2659 I was required to capture 15 images of the cluster and with the help of Skynets Prompt5 telescope in Cerro Tololo Observatory in Chile multiple filtered images were captured. The filters that were used were the B, R, V filters which capture different light wavelength allowing for a full image once they are brought together. The images were combined within Afterglow and eventually de-reddened as seen in figure 1.

Figure 2: Isochrone Model of NGC 2659

Using Afterglow’s tool set I was able to chart the stars within my photos using the it’s source catalogue. Following this I used the photometry to combine all my images data and download a CVS file of the data points. From there I used the Skynet Plotting tool to create my isochrone model as seen in figure 2. From the model we learn the cluster has a high metallicity of around 0.21 solar units and a magnitude of 0.11. The Motion in RA is around -4.92 mas/yr and Dec is approximately 4.618 mas/yr. 

NGC 2659 received updated perimeters in 2021 based on Gaia DR2 thanks to DIAS W.S., MONTEIRO H., MOITINHO A., LEPINE J.R.D., CARRARO G., PAUNZEN E., ALESSI B. and VILLELA L. (2021).

Figure 3: Isochrone Model 2 using Gaia Data Points

Comparing figure 3 and figure 2 the data appears almost identical as it was only updated as recently as 2021.

Overall investigating this cluster was a interesting experience and helped to increase my knowledge of astronomy.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NGC_2659

https://simbad.u-strasbg.fr/simbad/sim-basic?Ident=NGC+2659&submit=SIMBAD+search

https://in-the-sky.org/data/object.php?id=NGC2659

https://academic.oup.com/mnras/article-abstract/504/1/356/6209133?redirectedFrom=fulltext&login=false