M45 - The Pleiades 30th October 2008

Click here for larger image

This open cluster is often known as the Seven Sisters since there are 7 stars visible to the naked eye from a good site. It is relatively local at approximately 370 light years distance.

Scope: Skywatcher ED80 with WO 0.8 type III flattener.

Camera: QHY8 with IDAS filter.

Details: 36x5minute exposures. Captured, calibrated and stacked using Maxim DL. Processed in PS CS2.

The amount of detail captured by the QHY8 seems rather disappointing compared with earlier experiences using an SXV H9. Also there were terrilble problems from motes left over from previous icing of the chip.