The most famous open cluster in the sky, recognised in cultures worldwide since prehistory. Long exposures reveal the associated blue reflection nebulosity — the cluster is currently passing through a dust cloud, not the remnant of its birth. A wide-field mosaic captures the full extent of the surrounding nebulosity.
Frequently asked questions
What kind of object is M 45?
M 45 is an open cluster.
Which constellation is M 45 in?
M 45 lies in the constellation Taurus.
How far away is M 45?
The light in this image left M 45 roughly ~444 years ago, so that is how far back in time you are seeing it.
What are the coordinates of M 45?
M 45 sits at right ascension 03h 46m 28s and declination +24° 11′ 10″ (J2000).
When is the best time to photograph M 45?
M 45 rides highest in the evening sky around November, reaching about 61° above the horizon from around 54°N.
What equipment was used to photograph M 45?
This image of M 45 was captured with ZWO Seestar S50 and ZWO Seestar S50 Camera.
How much exposure time went into this image?
This image of M 45 represents 17m (104 × 10s) of total integration time.
