The Hyades - Melotte 25 (Drag your mouse over the image to see the galaxies labeled.)

  
 
 
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  • RA: 04:27
  • Dec: +16:
  • Magnitude: 0.5
  • Size: 330 arc min
  • Distance: 150 ly
  • Constellation:  Taurus
  • Scope: 300 mm Olympus lens at f/8
  • Autoguider:  ST-4 in faint mode
  • Sky conditions:  Good transparency and seeing
  • Film: Kodak Supra 400
  • Exposure:  15 minutes
  • Date:  September 5, 2002
Comments:  I have identified the size of the cluster and the connecting lines of Taurus in the mouseover.  The Hyades form the open cluster that is nearest to the Earth. The central group is roughly 10 light years in diameter, while outlying members appear to be spread over at least 80 light years. The Hyades are known prehistorically and were mentioned by Homer about 750 BC and Hesiod about 700 BC. The brightest star in the field of the Hyades is the bright red giant star Aldebaran (Alpha Tauri). It is not a member of the cluster and is only about 60 ly away.