![](https://www.salzgeber.at/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/20191228_Taurus_Molecular_Cloud_1h_3200ISO_f18_small_stars_1600px-1024x682.jpg)
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.
![](https://www.salzgeber.at/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/20191228_Taurus_Molecular_Cloud_1h_3200ISO_f18_small_stars_starless_1600px-1024x682.jpg)
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.