The Seven Sisters

 

A combination image created from data collected over several years using different lens-telescope combinations.  The data was combined using Registar software and finished using Affinity Photo2. Pip Stakkert managed to bring out the reflection nebulosity for which this open star cluster is famous.

" The Pleiades is an open star cluster relatively close to us at 444 light years and within the Milky Way galaxy. The cluster, also known as the Seven Sisters and Messier 45, sits within the constellation Taurus the Bull.  The Pleiades are easily visible to the naked eye from a dark location in the northern hemisphere. A person with good eyesight should be able to pick out seven of the brighter stars  and hence the name the 'Seven Sisters'. In late August the cluster is visible in the east after midnight but as autumn and winter advances it will be a constant presence in the night sky. Viewed through a pair of binoculars it is one of the prettiest sights in the night sky but you need to photograph it if you wish to see the blue reflection nebulosity. The cluster contains over a 1000 stars but is dominated by 10 or more hot B type blue luminous stars which formed within the last 100 million years. Reflection nebulae around the brightest stars were once thought to be left over material from their creation, but are now believed to be an unrelated cloud of dust in the interstellar medium through which the stars are currently moving. This dust cloud is estimated to be travelling at a speed of approximately 18 km/s relative to the stars in the cluster. Messier 45 is the closest Messier object to the Earth and has long been observed and used by ancient civilisation to mark the passing of seasons". - Kurt Thrust current Director of the Jodrell Plank Observatory.

Star map of the Pleiades open star cluster

By NASA, ESA and AURA/Caltech - Hubble Refines Distance to Pleiades Star Cluster (STScI-2004-20), Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=17899258

Location Map Credit :Wikipedia