Mars in Taurus

A 30-minute tracked exposure framing the bright glow of Mars during its opposition period, positioned prominently in the constellation Taurus under the dark skies of Zselic, Hungary. Nearby, the brilliant tight cluster of the Pleiades (M45) shines to the right, while the V-shaped open star cluster of the Hyades anchors the lower left of the frame. You may also notice small open clusters of NGC 1647 and NGC 1746 left to Hyades. Captured on expired Fortepan 100 black-and-white film using a Minolta XD 5 wide open at f/2, the image possesses classic grain and high-contrast stellar clarity.

• Camera: Minolta XD 5

• Lens: Minolta Rokkor 50mm f/2

• Film: Fortepan 100 (expired)

• Tracker: SkyWatcher Star Adventurer

• Exposure time: 30 min @f/2

• Location: Zselic, Hungary

• Date: 2022-12-29