IC 348 is a small open cluster in the constellation Perseus,
surrounded by interstellar gas which reflects in a characteristically
blue color. The top of the image is left with very few visible stars
because this cloud of gas extends in that direction and blocks the
stars behind it. In 2009, astronomers reported 3 free-floating planet-
sized objects in IC 348 (not technically planets because they are not
orbiting stars). IC 348 is very young, less than 3 million years old, and
is about 1000 light years from earth.

Image data:
Camera: Canon 350 XT (modified)
Exposure: ISO 1600, 2 minutes x 37
unguided on Astro Physics 900GTO
Telescope: 10" Schmidt-Newtonian, Baader coma corrector