The Pleiades, also known as the "Seven Sisters," is one of the most famous and easily recognizable open star clusters in the night sky. Located in the constellation Taurus, the Pleiades is a cluster of bright, young stars that are relatively close to Earth, making them easily visible to the naked eye. The cluster is approximately 440 light-years away and contains hundreds of stars, though only a handful are bright enough to be seen without the aid of a telescope.
Key Features
The Pleiades cluster is characterized by its bright blue stars, which are hot and luminous. These stars are relatively young, around 100 million years old, and are in the early stages of their stellar evolution. The cluster spans about 8 light-years across, and its most prominent stars form a distinctive pattern that resembles a small dipper or a cluster of jewels. The Pleiades is also enveloped in a faint reflection nebula, which can be seen in long-exposure photographs and is caused by the dust surrounding the cluster reflecting the starlight.
Mythology
The Pleiades has been recognized and revered in various cultures throughout history. In Greek mythology, the Pleiades were the seven daughters of the Titan Atlas and the sea-nymph Pleione. After being pursued by the hunter Orion, Zeus transformed them into stars to protect them. They are often associated with themes of protection, guidance, and celestial beauty. Different cultures have their own myths about the Pleiades, such as the Māori's story of Matariki, which marks the beginning of the new year, or the Japanese "Subaru," which is a term still used today for the famous car brand, whose logo features the Pleiades cluster.
Notable Stars
The seven most notable stars in the Pleiades cluster are Alcyone, Atlas, Electra, Maia, Merope, Taygeta, and Pleione. These stars are named after the sisters and their parents in Greek mythology. Alcyone is the brightest star in the cluster and is often considered the "queen" of the Pleiades. Atlas and Pleione are situated close together and are often considered the "parents" of the sisters. Each of these stars is a hot blue star, significantly more luminous than the Sun.
Visibility
The Pleiades is visible from nearly every inhabited part of the Earth. It is best seen during the winter months in the Northern Hemisphere, from late October to April, when it appears high in the night sky. The cluster rises in the east after sunset and is most easily found by locating the nearby constellation Taurus and then spotting the small group of bright stars that form the Pleiades. In the Southern Hemisphere, the Pleiades is visible during the summer months, from November to April.
Tips for Observing
Observing the Pleiades is a relatively easy and rewarding experience. To find the cluster, start by locating the constellation Taurus and then look for the small, tight grouping of stars. The Pleiades is easily visible to the naked eye, but using binoculars or a small telescope can reveal many more stars within the cluster, as well as the faint nebulosity surrounding them. The cluster’s stars are best observed on a clear, dark night away from city lights. Because of its brightness, the Pleiades can be seen even in areas with some light pollution, making it a favorite target for stargazers of all levels.