M45

M45 is the famous Pleiades Star Cluster in Taurus, the Bull. It is also known as the Seven Sisters, with the names given to the seven brightest stars. A significant amount of reflection nebulosity is illuminated by the cluster and in fact, the entire area has a low level of nebulosity/dust present. The Merope Nebula, located at the bottom center of this image, is the brightest portion of the nebula, highlighted by the fine wisps of nebulosity. This was taken at a campground in Pennsylvania.

Please use the links to scan the larger versions of this image. This image is only 33 percent of full sized.

Image info:

10" Homebuilt Newtonian

Starlight Express SXV-M25 one-shot ccd camera

50x4 (total of 200 mins)

f/3 with Keller Corrector and IDAS filter

Stacked (w/SD) and color conversion in Maxim and tweaks in PS (no flats)) - (LR)RGB image

guided with the Tak Sky90 and SX guide head

10.22.06

Laurel Lake Campground