Here is my 2023 version of The Seven Sisters, formally known as Pleiades and catalogued as Messier 45 or M45. M45 is an open star cluster located in the constellation of Taurus at a distance of around 444 light years away from Earth.
So who are these seven sisters? Here is my quick and dirty account of their Greek mythology story. The Pléiades’ dad Mr. Atlas was busy trying to hold up the sky. He seemingly did not have the time to protect his daughters from the hunter Orion. Therefore, Zeus transformed them into stars 🤔. The sisters’ names were Maia, Alcyone, Asterope, Celaeno, Taygete, Electra, and Merope. Orion was also transformed into stars, and can still be seen chasing the Pleiades in the night sky. Ok enough of that 🙈.
Wide field image of Taurus shot over the north coast of Tortola, BVI. Captured with an iPhone 15pro. Pleiades is the star group just off center.
This target is a beauty to the unaided eye. With the help of a small telescope, you would be amazed at the plethora of stars in this region. In fact, this cluster is said to be the home of some 3,000 stars. No matter how this target is viewed, it is yet another reason to look up and experience an amazing Universe!
Gear: AA Hypercam 26C, Askar 80 PHQ, HEM27 mount, Optolong CLS; ZWO OAG + AA120mc
Exif: 36 x 5-min lights; Gain 200, Offset 3, TEC @ 10 degrees; 20 darks,
SharpCap, PHD2; AstroPixelProcessor, PixInsight; Photoshop