This is a double star M40 in Ursa Major

M40 is one of the "mistakes" in the original Messier Catalog. While some earlier observers stated that there was nebulosity nearby, there really is none (these images were taken while there were some clouds in the area -- this explains the "glow" around the bright star -- 70 U Maj at Mag 5.5). The stars of M40 are about 50" apart.

Note Galaxy NGC4290 (2.2' x 1.6' and magnitude 11.8) can barely be seen above and to the right of the double stars.

Images taken with TEC-140 Telescope mounted on Losmandy G11 mount. Camera used was a Canon EOS20D used at prime focus.

Three 1 minutes exposures dark compensated, aligned and stacked, background removed and Digitaly Developed in ImagesPlus 2.10.