M45 The Pleiades Star Cluster: 3 Sept 2012
The Pleiades Star Cluster, also known as M45, has been observed since early times because it is one of the brightest star clusters visible to the naked eye. The cluster spans about 2 degrees and contains a total of about 500-3000 stars (depending on your source) although they are not all as bright as the seven main stars in the cluster, commonly referred to as the Seven Sisters. This cluster is mentioned in Homer's Ilius and Odyssey and in the Bible as well. The Pleiades are in a blue reflection nebulae and contain several faint brown dwarfs. In the night sky, the Pleides are in the direction of the constellation Taurus.
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