AstrophotographyĪ photograph of the Pleiades star cluster looks great at any focal length, from a wide-angle nightscape to a high-magnification deep sky image. For a truly remarkable way to enjoy this object, consider attaching a camera to your telescope. A wide field of view from a pair of binoculars or a low power telescope will ensure that the entire cluster can be seen at the same time.įew star clusters can deliver the excitement and awe that Messier 45 does through the eyepiece of a telescope. There are very few deep-sky objects that are as bright (apparent magnitude +1.6) and noticeable as the Pleiades.īinoculars are a great tool for observing the Pleiades, as this star cluster covers a relatively large area of sky (apparent dimensions 110′ arcmin.). The Pleiades star cluster can be seen to the right of the constellation Orion.įor many people, this star cluster is one of the first deep sky objects ever observed with their naked eye. In the image below, you’ll see the proximity of the Pleiades to the constellation Orion. At this time of year, the Pleiades shine from dusk until dawn. November is often called the month of the Pleiades. The Seven Sister stars of the Pleiades are Maia, Electra, Alcyone, Taygeta, Asterope, Celaeno, and Merope. At this magnification, at least 7 stars are obvious in the cluster and are typically what you’ll see from a dark sky location. The image above showcases the Pleiades in a 7-degree wide field of view. The Pleiades at 105mm using a DSLR and 24-105 Camera Lens This image is a good representation of what it’s like to observe M45 from a dark sky site through a small telescope. This APOD image shows just how dusty the area surrounding M45 is.īelow, is a wide-field view of the Pleiades using a 105mm camera lens. To capture an image that highlights the faint, glowing dust that surrounds the Seven Sisters star cluster, dark skies that are well away from city light pollution are required. The image above was created by capturing 25 x 3.5-minute images with a DSLR camera and telescope. The dusty cosmic cloud surrounding the Pleiades, and the associated blue reflection nebula can be enjoyed through long-exposure astrophotography. On top of being an open star cluster, the Pleiades star cluster also contains striking blue reflection nebulae. The Pleiades Star Cluster captured using a DSLR and telescope With a pair of binoculars or a telescope, you will see many more stars in the cluster. With the unaided eye, most people count 6 stars in the Pleiades star cluster, not 7. The Pleiades star cluster is one of the nearest star clusters to Earth and the most obvious naked-eye cluster in the night sky. This image includes just over 4 hours of total exposure time. If you draw an invisible line from Orion’s Belt to Aldebaran, you’ll eventually reach the Pleiades.Ībove: My latest image of the Pleiades Star Cluster was captured from a dark sky site using a one-shot-color dedicated astronomy camera ( ZWO ASI2400MC Pro) and a compact Apochromatic Refractor Telescope ( William Optics RedCat 71). To find the Pleiades, use the bright orange star Aldebaran as a guide. The Pleiades are visible from most parts of the globe and appear as a “ misty dipper of stars” in Taurus. Some people see more than 7 stars, others see less. In the northern hemisphere, the fall and winter seasons are the best time to observe and photograph the Pleiades.Īlthough the cluster consists of over 1000 stars, the “ Seven Sisters” dominate your visual and photographic attention. It lies about 400 light-years from Earth and is about 100 million years old. The Pleiades is an open star cluster in the constellation Taurus.
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