M45 or The Pleiades is a prominent object in the night sky. It holds a conspicuous place in ancient mythology across cultures as it is visible from both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. They are known under many names, The Pleiades, Matariki and Subaru to name a few. In Greek mythology the seven most prominent stars are named for the seven daughter of the Titan Atlas and the nymph Pleione; Maia, Electra, Taygete, Alcyone, Celaeno, Sterope and Merope.

While the cluster is named for the 7 easily naked eye visible stars it contains over 1000 stars, many of which you can see in this image. The beautiful blue reflection nebulosity is caused by the light of the stars scattering through surrounding interstellar dust. The cluster is simply passing through a dusty region of the Milkyway, over time as they move past the reflection nebulosity will fade.

10 hours of exposure was used to create this RGB image.

A physical print will be made for the first collector should they wish it.