AAPOD2 Image Archives

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2024, February 2024, 2024 monthly winners Charles Lillo 2024, February 2024, 2024 monthly winners Charles Lillo

Barnard's Merope IC349, inside Merope NGC1435 in the Pleiades

Amidst the cosmic tapestry of the Pleiades star cluster, the ethereal beauty of Barnard's Merope, designated IC 349, unfolds as a delicate nebular veil draped around the celestial jewel Merope. This intricate scene captures the interplay of interstellar dust and starlight, creating a celestial spectacle that graces the Pleiades with a touch of cosmic elegance.

IC 349, a reflection nebula, mirrors the radiant glow of Merope, one of the Seven Sisters within the Pleiades cluster. The nebular veils, illuminated by the star's brilliance, add a subtle celestial adornment, enhancing the visual richness of this stellar ensemble. As astronomers gaze upon Barnard's Merope, they witness not only the aesthetic charm of interstellar dust but also the scientific significance embedded in the delicate dance between starlight and cosmic particles. This cosmic tableau serves as a testament to the intricate relationships within star clusters, offering a glimpse into the astrophysical processes that shape and adorn our celestial surroundings.

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2024, January 2024 Charles Lillo 2024, January 2024 Charles Lillo

Seven Sisters rolling in the deep

In this wide-field view of the Pleiades, AKA Messier 45 (M45), the image not only presents a visual feast but also unveils several intriguing facts about this prominent open star cluster. Composed of hot, blue, and luminous stars, the Pleiades is a young cluster, estimated to be around 100 million years old. The association of these stars with a common origin in a molecular cloud showcases the dynamics of stellar birth and evolution within our cosmic neighborhood.

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2023, September 2023, 2023 Monthly Winners Charles Lillo 2023, September 2023, 2023 Monthly Winners Charles Lillo

New Noise in Subaru (m45: aka Pleiades)

M45, commonly known as the Pleiades or the Seven Sisters, is one of the most enchanting open star clusters in the night sky, located in the constellation Taurus. This celestial jewel, situated about 440 light-years away from Earth, is a captivating sight that has fascinated stargazers and storytellers for centuries. In this mesmerizing image, the delicate, blue-hot stars of the Pleiades cluster shine brightly against a backdrop of cosmic dust and gas, creating a celestial spectacle that never fails to inspire awe. The Pleiades have been celebrated in cultures around the world, and their presence in the night sky serves as a timeless reminder of the beauty and wonder that the universe has to offer.

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