OBJECT INFORMATION

Name/Designation	Melotte 15 (Heart Nebula)
Object Type	Open Cluster / H II Region
Constellation	Cassiopeia
Distance	~7,500 light-years
Apparent Magnitude	~6.7
Angular Size	~30′ (~0.5°)

IMAGING

Date	January 2, 18–20, 22, 25 & 29, 2025
Location	Athens, Greece
Frames	824 × 60″ exposures
Integration	13h 44m
Camera Settings	Gain 101 | Temperature: -5°C
Bortle Scale	8/9 (City sky)

EQUIPMENT

Telescope	Sky-Watcher Explorer 130PDS
Camera	ZWO ASI533MC Pro
Mount	Sky-Watcher EQ5 Pro
Filter	Optolong L-eXtreme
Accessory	Baader 2″ MPCC Mark III
Guide Scope	Artesky 32mm Mini
Guide Camera	ZWO ASI120MM Mini

SOFTWARE

Acquisition	Astro Photography Tool
Guiding	PHD2 Guiding
Processing	PixInsight
Plugins	RC Astro