M45 The Pleiades Cluster

Is an asterism and open star cluster 445 light years away in Taurus.

It is visible by eye in many areas and has been a subject of legend and mythology in many cultures. In astrophotography it is an extremely popular subject presenting a spectacular mix of bright blue stars lighting the gas and dust within the region.

M45 is rather challenging to image from Chile as it never goes above 35 degrees in altitude.

Imaged in LRGB on our Planewave Delta Rho 350 from Observatorio El Sauce, Chile.
Image Processing: Mike Selby and Mark Hanson

Enjoy, Mike and Mark