Pleiades from My Backyard: A Stunning Astrophotography Capture
What a treat for the eyes! This incredible image of the Pleiades star cluster, affectionately known as the Seven Sisters, was captured right from a backyard in Germany. Under Bortle 4/5 skies, the photographer managed to unveil the delicate beauty of this well-known asterism.
Unveiling the Seven Sisters
The Pleiades, a prominent open cluster in the constellation Taurus, is a favorite target for astrophotographers due to its vibrant blue stars and surrounding nebulosity. This particular capture showcases the fine details and colors that make this cluster so captivating.
The Gear Behind the Image
Bringing such a celestial target into focus requires a capable setup. This stunning shot was achieved using:
- Telescope: Askar SQA55
- Camera: Player One Neptun-C (uncooled)
- Guiding: The GTI guided
The Process: From Capture to Polish
Capturing and processing deep-sky objects is a labor of love. The data for this image was gathered using SharpCap, followed by stacking and editing in Siril. The impressive result was achieved with:
- 75 x 120-second light frames
- Calibration frames (darks, flats, biases)
This dedication to detail in both acquisition and processing is evident in the final, beautiful output. It's a testament to what can be achieved with passion and the right equipment, even from your own backyard.
