Taurus Molecular Cloud with 85mm

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Taurus Molecular Cloud, California Nebula NGC1499 and Plejades M45, 120x30s, ISO3200, Nikon Z6, Nikkor S 85mm f/1.8 at f/1.8 processed in Fitswork, Photoshop, Lightroom

I tried to use a break in the clouds to photograph a long-time favourit of mine, the Taurus Molecular Cloud TMC. The conditions were far from optimal with some slight fog and clouds passing through, but after throwing away quite a few frames, I ended up with this version.

Also visible is the California Nebula NGC1499 which is a part of the cloud ionized by the very hot and energetic nearby hot young star Xi Persei. The Plejades at right are embedded in a blue reflection nebula, which is also part of the TMC, in this case the blue light of the stars is reflected by the dusty material.

Taurus Molecular Cloud, California Nebula NGC1499 and Plejades M45, 120x30s, ISO3200, Nikon Z6, Nikkor S 85mm f/1.8 at f/1.8 processed in Fitswork, Photoshop, Lightroom, stars removed with starnet++

When the stars are removed, the whole extend of the intricate nebula becomes visible. Even though the image looks rather gritty, I like the sense of the distribution of the dusty material one gets by looking at this image.