Object info

M45 is a star cluster which was known already from pre-historic times. At least 6 members are visible to the naked eye, while this number increases with better observing conditions.
This cluster actually contains over 500 (mostly faint) stars. The cluster also known as the "Seven Sisters", is dominated by mostly hot blue stars and lies at a distance of 440 light years.

Processing

DSLRFocus was used to focus the scope and create the imaging series. ImagesPlus 2.8 was used to calibrate the light frames with 25 dark frames, 30 bias frames and 30 flat frames. Photoshop CS2 was used for post-processing, levels and curves adjustments. Noel Carboni's astronomy tools were used for DSO enhancement and noise reduction.
The extended faint nebulosity surrounding the cluster is very hard to pick up with a DSLR, at least under less than perfect (light polluted) conditions.

Comments

M45 presented differently in a more widefield configuration.
The 46 frames which were used to create the image stack were taken during 2 nights on November 18th and November 20th. The first set of frames was taken during windy conditions.

Previous versions

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