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Pleiades (M45)
open cluster in Taurus
The Pleiades are a young open cluster of hot blue stars, wrapped in a veil of reflected blue dust. The stars are easy; the dust is the challenge. The cluster spans over a degree, so it suits short focal lengths and wide fields, and it rides high in the autumn and winter evening sky.
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// Key facts
- Catalog
- M45
- Type
- open cluster
- Constellation
- Taurus
- Size
- 1.8° across
- Brightness
- Magnitude 1.6
- Distance
- about 440 light-years
- Peak month (any location)
- Nov
- Typical prime months
- Sep to Jan
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
- Filter
- No filter (broadband)
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How to image Pleiades
- The dust is faint and wide, so total exposure time matters more here than for most clusters. Aim for several hours if you want the wisps to show.
- Bright stars bloat easily. Good focus and a round-star lens or scope help the nebulosity stand out.
- Avoid a light-pollution filter that shifts the blue. The dust shines by reflected starlight and needs broad color.
Framing: what focal length?
The focal length at which M45 spans about 60% of the long side of the sensor, leaving room around it. Treat it as a starting point; the right framing is a matter of taste.
| Sensor | Focal length |
|---|---|
| 1-inch sensor (13.2 mm) | about 250 mm |
| APS-C (23.5 mm) | about 440 mm |
| Full frame (36 mm) | about 670 mm |
How high does it climb from your latitude?
The highest point M45 reaches in the sky. Above about 60° is excellent, 30° to 60° is workable, and under 30° you are looking through a lot of air.
| Latitude | Highest point | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 55°N (Scotland, Alaska) | 59° | Workable |
| 45°N (Minneapolis, Milan) | 69° | High in the sky |
| 35°N (Los Angeles, Tokyo) | 79° | High in the sky |
| 25°N (Miami, Cairo) | 89° | High in the sky |
| 35°S (Sydney, Santiago) | 31° | Workable |
Also worth imaging
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