Glimpse of the Seven Sisters: A Stunning Pleiades Astrophoto
Prepare to be mesmerized by the celestial dance of the Pleiades, also known as the Seven Sisters! This stunning deep-sky object, a prominent open star cluster located in the constellation of Taurus, has been beautifully captured in this recent astrophotograph.
This captivating image was brought to life through a meticulous capture and processing workflow, showcasing the incredible detail and color inherent in this celestial jewel.
Capture Details:
- Conditions: Bortle 4/5 sky, captured in Germany on August 19, 2025.
- Equipment: The impressive setup included an Askar SQA55 telescope paired with a Player One Neptun-C uncooled camera. The trusty GTI mount provided stable tracking and guiding.
- Acquisition Software: SharpCap was utilized for capturing the raw data.
- Data: A total of 75 frames, each 120 seconds long (Lights), were acquired, complemented by essential calibration frames (darks, flats, bias).
Processing Workflow:
The raw frames were expertly stacked and processed using Siril, a powerful open-source astrophotography software, bringing out the subtle details and vibrant hues of the Pleiades nebula and its constituent stars. The result is a testament to the capabilities of modern amateur astrophotography and the dedication of its practitioners.
The Pleiades, easily visible to the naked eye, is a relatively young star cluster, estimated to be around 100 million years old. Its prominent blue hue is due to the reflection nebulosity from dust and gas that the stars are currently passing through. This image truly captures the magic of the cosmos, offering a window into the formation and beauty of star clusters.
