Messier 45

[m45.jpg]

This image of open cluster M45, the Plejades, is a composite of three plates obtained by Malcolm Hartley with the 1.2-meter UK Schmidt Telescope: Blue: 30 minutes on Kodak IIa-O emulsion with GG 385 filter, Green: 30 min on IIa-D with GG 495, and Red: 40 minutes on 098-04 with RG 630. It was postprocessed by David Malin to enhance the fine structures in the reflection nebulae.

The lines in the nebula are typical for interstellar medium which is not much influenced by the nearby stars.

A close look at this image reveals a pink color at the southernmost (lowest) extension of the largest nebulosity (that around Merope). This is probably caused by interstellar absorption.

This image was cropped from a wider-field original photograph.

This images is copyrighted and may be used for private purpose only. For any other kind of use, including internet mirroring and storing on CD-ROM, please contact the Photo Permissions Department (photo at aaoepp.aao.gov.au) of the Anglo Australian Observatory.


Hartmut Frommert
Christine Kronberg
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Last Modification: May 9, 1998