Deep Sky Object in Winter
The Hyades (Mel. 25 in Taurus)

Click on image to enlarge

Date & Time: Jan 28 2006, 22:42 JST(+0900), 30min. Exp.
Optical: SMC PENTAX f=300mm F4.0, Aperture: F4.0
with IDAS LPS-P1 light pollution suppression & Cokin Diffuser-1 filters
Auto-guided with TAKAHASHI JP Equatorial
Camera: PENTAX 67
Film: Ektachrome E200 (+1EV pushed)
Location: Ooizumi, Hokuto city, Yamanashi pref.


Mel.25 / Open Cluster, type c, II 3 m
R.A.04h 19m 30s (2000.0)
Dec.+15°38' 00" (2000.0)
Apparent Size330'
Real Size13 light yrs.
# of Stars380
Magnitude0.8
Distance140 light yrs.
The Hyades is the one of the largest open clusters in skies, with a size of about 5 degrees. The cluster forms the Bull's face, shaped like a "V", consists of approximately 380 stars. You'll be able to enjoy the splendid view with binoculars.
The Hyades is about 140 light years away, one of the closest clusters. The Aldebaran (alpha Tauri) is much closer (68 light years) than that, and has no relation with the cluster. There is a tiny open cluster of NGC1647 at the left-hand side, seemingly it seems like being sent forth from the Hyades.



NGC2539
M79

Copyright(c) 2006 by Naoyuki Kurita, All rights reserved.
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