The Pleiades M45

Robert Nik

54833

Deep Sky

Feb 12th, 2026

1119

NGC 1432IC 1990NGC 1435IC 349

Resolution:: 2891x2911 px
File size:: 1671 KB

Show astrometry on hover

Photo description / processing

The Pleiades never really stood out to me before. Until now) So I didn’t shoot much, but look at all that Dust!

Technical information

Telescope/Lens: Sharpstar 76 edph f4.5
Camera: ZWO ASI533MC Pro
Mount: HEQ5 Pro
Guide Scope: 30/120
Guide Camera: Zwo 178mm
Software: Pixinsight

Location: Мозырь, Беларусь

Light pollution

Yellow, Bortle 5 zone

Exposure

16 × 60″ · ISO/Gain: 100

Total exposure: 16 m

Comments

poppy8micro

I wait for all kinds of weather for them, the halos around them in winter are just too bright. You did a really great job!

Feb 13th, 2026

Robert NikReply to poppy8micro

Thanks! I have a second stack just like this one, with a longer exposure. There's even more dust there.
I shot them twice and ended up with such junk... Once during moonlight, the second time the secondary mirror fogged up. And such funny blobs came out, I even kept them as a memento.

Feb 13th, 2026

DeeMooN

What is soap?

Feb 13th, 2026

Robert NikReply to DeeMooN

Soap in the nebula or dust?
Well, this is only 16 minutes total. What's the point in sharpening? There's a second stack with a longer exposure. But there I had to make the stars softer instead, otherwise it doesn't look very good.

Feb 13th, 2026

DeeMooNReply to Robert Nik

16 minutes, not serious

Feb 13th, 2026

Robert NikReply to DeeMooN

This was just a casual shot, squeezed in between other targets. But believe me, I have stacks that are much worse. And even stacking them won’t help…

Feb 13th, 2026

DeeMooN

Is it okay to post something like this?

Feb 13th, 2026

DeeMooNReply to DeeMooN

Well, if 16-minute stacks are considered top-tier on this platform, that really says a lot.

Feb 13th, 2026

Robert NikReply to DeeMooN

Is it really embarrassing to share astrophotography at all? I'm practicing my processing skills. How will I know my mistakes if I keep my astro photos under my pillow?

Feb 13th, 2026

Robert NikReply to DeeMooN

This is a platform for astronomy enthusiasts. There are no entry tickets. Everyone can share their work. I don't see any problems, to be honest.

Feb 13th, 2026

DeeMooNReply to Robert Nik

What a twist, 16 minutes is not it.

Feb 13th, 2026

Robert NikReply to DeeMooN

I know. But there's no clear weather, and I'm not sure when to gather data. There are also higher-priority targets: the Rosette Nebula, the Dolphin Nebula, Thor's Helmet, and Casper.

Feb 13th, 2026