Uranus

During a brief 30-minute gap in the clouds, I managed to capture a single frame containing M45 (the Pleiades), Uranus, and the main-belt asteroid 68 Leto—a rare alignment and a satisfying result given the conditions.

Uranus has an interesting history: it was discovered in 1781 by William Herschel, marking the first time a planet had been identified using a telescope rather than the naked eye.

The asteroid 68 Leto also has a story behind it. Discovered on April 29, 1861, by German astronomer Robert Luther, it takes its name from Leto, the mother of Apollo and Artemis in Greek mythology.

Catching all three of these objects together in one shot feels like a small astronomical victory—especially squeezed between fast-moving weather.

Equipment

• Askar 180mm

• ZWO ASI  2600

• AZ-GTI Mount in EQ