M71 is a loosely packed globular cluster in the Constellation of Sagitta. This cluster is about 12,000 light years away, and is approximately 27 light years across. This star cluster was thought to be a dense open cluster up until the 1970s.  M71 lacked that central core and its stars having more metals than what is typically  found in ancient globular clusters. In addition, variable RR Lyrae stars which are found in globular clusters were not found in this cluster. More recent researchers detected a short horizontal branch in the H-R diagram, which compares temperature against luminosity,  supports the finding that indeed M71 is a globular cluster.
   I enjoy viewing sweeping fields of stars like Messier 24, the MIlky Way Patch.  M71 reminds me of that star field. The main reason why I photographed M71 and posted it here is  I was pleased with the focus of my stars. I have always had stars which I thought were blobby and not quite focused. Recently Astro Photography Tools (APT) added an updated auto focus aid. There were a few quick updates as this focusing module underwent a few revisions. I found the final tool quite easy to use. In operation it is pretty amazing to watch. If there was a Nobel Prize for focusing software this would be a sure candidate. This photo was taken without any field flattener or reducer. In fact, it is at the full F10 focal length of 3556 mm with my Meade LX200ACF 14" Schmidt Cassegrain.
   Color Vision is not my forte as I cannot tell green from red and brown. My dear wife, Elizabeth, helped me tune the color. Hope you enjoy this photo.
Thanks  and Clear Skies to you- Ken Adler

Equipment and Software:

Camera: ZWO ASI2600MC Pro
Guide Camera: Lodestar X2
Filter: Optolong Pro L 2"
Exposure: 30 seconds
Number Frames: Best 100/128
Calibration Frames: 100 Flats, 100 Flat Dark, 50 Darks
Temp: -12C  (ambient too hot)
Capture Software: Astro Photo Tools
Guiding: PHD2
Stacking: Astro Pixel Processor
Processing:  Startools  V7 (APR 2021)