Open cluster NGC 6705 in Scutum is a rich dense cluster comprised of nearly 3000 member stars which are of uniform brightness and very well detached from the background sky. The cluster spans 14 arc-minutes in diameter or almost half the apparent diameter of the full moon. Also known as the Wild Duck cluster, NGC 6705 lies at a distance of 6,000 light-years away and is dated at a mere 220-250 million years-old and as evidenced by the predominance of white hot stars.
NGC 6705 was discovered by the German astronomer Gottfried Kirch (Berlin Observatory) in 1681.
Jul 25-26, 2009 @ 22:30 - 00:35 UT+3
AP 160 f/7.5 StarFire EDF, AP 1200GTO GEM, SBIG ST-10XME, SBIG CFW10, AstroDon TruBal CRGB
LRGB @ 30:30:30:30 (3-/6-min subs), 1x1 binning, -7.5° C
Further details: http://www.perseus.gr/Astro-DSO-NGC-6705.htm