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Hyades (Mel 25)
open cluster in Taurus
The Hyades is the closest open cluster to us, forming the V-shaped face of Taurus. Its stars are spread across more than five degrees, so it is a very wide target. It is best captured with a lens, and it is a good test of star colors.
Save your telescope or lens on the planner to lay your camera frame over this diagram.
// Key facts
- Catalog
- Mel 25
- Also known as
- C 41, Caldwell 41, Melotte 25
- Type
- open cluster
- Constellation
- Taurus
- Size
- 5.5° across
- Brightness
- Magnitude 0.5
- Distance
- about 150 light-years
- Peak month (any location)
- Nov
- Typical prime months
- Sep to Feb
- Difficulty
- Beginner
- Filter
- No filter (broadband)
Pick a saved location or share your device location. Your coordinates are used only to calculate tonight and are not stored. To save locations, use the planner.
How to image Hyades
- Use 50 to 135 mm; it spans about 5 degrees.
- The red giant Aldebaran is a foreground star, not a member of the cluster.
- No filter is needed, and short exposures keep star colors natural.
Framing: what focal length?
The focal length at which Mel 25 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 80 mm |
| APS-C (23.5 mm) | about 150 mm |
| Full frame (36 mm) | about 220 mm |
How high does it climb from your latitude?
The highest point Mel 25 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) | 51° | Workable |
| 45°N (Minneapolis, Milan) | 61° | High in the sky |
| 35°N (Los Angeles, Tokyo) | 71° | High in the sky |
| 25°N (Miami, Cairo) | 81° | High in the sky |
| 35°S (Sydney, Santiago) | 39° | Workable |
Also worth imaging
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