Posted on 09/18/2013 7:05:11 PM PDT by SunkenCiv
Explanation: Have you ever seen the Pleiades star cluster? Even if you have, you probably have never seen it as dusty as this. Perhaps the most famous star cluster on the sky, the bright stars of the Pleiades can be seen without binoculars from even the depths of a light-polluted city. With a long exposure from a dark location, though, the dust cloud surrounding the Pleiades star cluster becomes very evident. The above exposure took about 20 minutes and covers a sky area several times the size of the full moon. Also known as the Seven Sisters and M45, the Pleiades lies about 400 light years away toward the constellation of the Bull (Taurus). A common legend with a modern twist is that one of the brighter stars faded since the cluster was named, leaving only six stars visible to the unaided eye. The actual number of Pleiades stars visible, however, may be more or less than seven, depending on the darkness of the surrounding sky and the clarity of the observer's eyesight.
(Excerpt) Read more at 129.164.179.22 ...
[Credit & Copyright: Roberto Colombari]
M-45 (Michigan highway)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M-45_(Michigan_highway)
This is nice hi res for wallpaper.
I live in an area with one of the darkest night skies in the lower 48 and can clearly see the Pleiades, and even a hint of the dust cloud, with my naked eyes.
Ever notice those stars on the Subaru car logo?
Subaru is the Japanese word for the Pleiades.
<...”I live in an area with one of the darkest night skies in the lower 48 and can clearly see the Pleiades”....>
Oh Wow! You must get some pretty terrific night shows as they happen.
31”Can you bind the chains of the Pleiades, Or loose the cords of Orion? 32”Can you lead forth a constellation in its season, And guide the Bear with her satellites? Job 38
(A VERY early reference to the Pleiades in Literature!)
I sure do. Lots of meteors and once a huge fireball meteor that made a roaring sound as it flew overhead. Lit up the whole neighborhood!
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