deep-sky
nebula (emission & reflection)
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Messier 45, also known as “The Pleiades” or the “Seven Sisters” is a star cluster which was known already from pre-historic times.
The cluster is easily visible in autumn and winter skies and 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) but hot blue stars and is one of the nearest star clusters at 440 light years.
The blue nebulosity around the stars is not related to the cluster itself but is merely a dust cloud through which these stars are passing.
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Image information:
Object info
Name: M45 – The Pleiades
Type: Star cluster (open)
Constellation: Taurus
Distance: 440 ly
Date & location
Date: October 22, 2011
Location: Landgraaf, The Netherlands
Equipment & optics
Total integration: 4h30m
Camera: SBIG ST-8300M
Optics: TMB/LOMO 80/480
Mount: Losmandy G-11 Gemini
Image comments