M45, also known as the Pleiades, is a prominent open star cluster located in the constellation Taurus. It is one of the nearest star clusters to Earth and is easily visible to the naked eye, often appearing as a small group of bright stars. The cluster contains several hundred stars, with the most notable ones being the seven brightest, which are commonly referred to as the "Seven Sisters." The Pleiades is approximately 444 light-years away from Earth and is thought to be around 100 million years old. It has been a significant cultural symbol in various civilizations, often associated with mythology and navigation. The cluster is also a popular target for amateur astronomers and astrophotographers due to its beauty and brightness.