M45
During the cold winter months stargazers in the northern hemisphere are treated to a beautiful open star cluster called the Pleiades or Seven Sisters. Its official designations are M45 and Melotte 22. Hot blue stars formed within the past 100 million years dominate this cluster. Astronomers estimate that in about 250 million years tidal forces will tear it apart and it will have moved from its present location in Taurus to neighboring Orion.
Exposure: William Optics Star71 f/4.9 (348mm), Atik 460EX. L:R:G:B = 96m:42m:42m:42m (RGB bin 2x2)
OTA: William Optics Star71
Camera: Atik 460ex w/EFW2 filter wheel
Filters: Astrodon LRGB
Mount: AP Mach1
Exposure: L:R:G:B 96:42:42:42 (m) rgb bin 2x2
Data obtained: September/November 2014