Messier 34 is a large open cluster of stars about 250 million years old. This cluster lies in Perseus, and it is estimated to be about 1,500 light years away. This cluster contains around 400 stars of Solar mass size and at least 19 white dwarfs. This image is composed of 280 images, which totals 18 hours of exposure time.
There are numerous galaxies visible in the background, with some of the more notable ones displayed in the following montage,
