M45

[martin_h 2,270]

I stepped into the garden at 3.30 Sunday morning and noticed Orion just rising, looked a bit higher and spotted M45, and for the first time could make it out without averted vision. The seeing must have been exceptional just then because not only could i see it directly, i could distinguish separation between the stars.

[tooth_dr 8,030]

5 minutes ago, martin_h said:

I stepped into the garden at 3.30 Sunday morning and noticed Orion just rising, looked a bit higher and spotted M45, and for the first time could make it out without averted vision. The seeing must have been exceptional just then because not only could i see it directly, i could distinguish separation between the stars.

Funny I took my first image this year of M45 last night.  A great sight.

[Pixies 1,572]

Yep - I saw it last night for the first time this season too, just as I was packing up.

The seeing last night was good.

[Nyctimene 1,579]

Hmmm....

I would not have expected, that the Merope nebula in the Pleiades extends that far - must be some of the astrophotography magics. But, as a purely visual observer and a complete neophyte to AP, I am wiser now.

Stephan

Edited September 1, 2020 by Nyctimene

[LeeHore7 876]

I managed to take a quick snap with my smartphone of M45 pleiades on the 20th August this year, it's not the best but my first view of the season, its a beautiful sight I must agree 

[tooth_dr 8,030]

3 hours ago, Nyctimene said:

Hmmm....

I would not have expected, that the Merope nebula in the Pleiades extends that far - must be some of the astrophotography magics. But, as a purely visual observer and a complete neophyte to AP, I am wiser now.

Stephan

Hi Stephan

You do realise that image is my 'signature', and unrelated to the above post  I've attached my 5 x 2mins exposure from last night below:

 

Regards

Adam

 

[Nyctimene 1,579]

Hi, Adam,

I had not realized that, sorry.

But a nice image of M 45, with all the nebulosities well to make out; thanks

Stephan

[mikeDnight 9,719]

The Pleiades are also affectionately known as The Seven Sisters, because visually with the unaided eye most people can count seven stars in the cluster. Some from a dark site can count more stars, and if the sky is transparent the entire cluster is bathed in nebulosity. 

  ...The Pleiades, rising through the mellow shade, Glitter like a swarm of fireflies Tangled in a silver braid.  -From Locksley Hall by Alfred, Lord Tennyson.

 

Below-  a sketch through a 4" refractor.

[John 35,542]

Ahh - that elusive Merope nebulosity

And lurking within it is the very, very challenging IC 349:

https://skyandtelescope.org/observing/the-merope-nebula-and-its-well-kept-secret/