The Pleiades stars cluster, known as the Seven Sisters, will have a close encounter with the nearly full moon on Sunday (Nov. 26). This close approach will bring the moon to within 1 degree of the Seven Sisters, scientifically known as Messier 45 (M45), with both the moon and the Pleiades located in the constellation of Taurus during this event.
In New York City, the Pleiades will rise at 3:46 p.m. EST (2046 GMT), with the 14-day-old nearly-full moon following over the horizon at 3:48 p.m. EST (2058 GMT), according to In the Sky. The sun will set at 4:30 p.m. EST (2130 GMT), providing an opportunity for skywatchers to observe the celestial display.
The moon’s date with the Seven Sisters will conclude around 6:54 p.m. EST (1154 GMT) on the morning of Monday, Nov. 27.
During their close approach, the moon will outshine the stars of the Pleiades, with the brightness of the nearly-full moon potentially making some of the fainter stars difficult to see. Binoculars may help reveal more of the cluster, however, the moon’s brightness is likely to obscure many of them.
While this is a close approach, the Seven Sisters and the moon will maintain a respectable distance, too wide to be seen together in the field of view of a telescope, but visible together with binoculars.
The Pleiades, located approximately 44 light-years from Earth, is an open cluster that comprises around 1,000 stars, with six or seven of them being bright enough to be visible to the naked eye. Prior to the invention of the telescope, the Pleiades held significance in various cultures and mythologies.
The name “Seven Sisters” is rooted in mythology, associated with the daughters of Atlas and Pleione in Greek mythology, who were transformed into stars by Zeus, each representing the seven brightest stars of the open star cluster. Additionally, two other bright stars in the Pleiades are named after their parents, Atlas and Pleione.
Despite appearing small, the star cluster M45 is immense, with a stellar population equivalent to approximately 800 suns. M45 spans about 17.5 light-years, and its gravitational influence extends beyond this, reaching 43 light-years from the open cluster.
The Pleiades’ young and massive blue stars are its main attraction, accompanied by a large population of smaller, older red stars, and the potential presence of brown dwarfs, which are still capable of nuclear fusion, though not as massive as typical stars.
Following its rendezvous with the Pleiades, the moon will be fully illuminated when it next rises on Nov. 27 as the Full Beaver Moon.
For those hoping to view the Pleiades during this close encounter, consider our recommended best telescopes and best binoculars. Additionally, photography enthusiasts can consult our guides on how to photograph the moon, and the best cameras and lenses for astrophotography.
Editor’s Note:If you capture an image of the moon beside the Pleiades and wish to share it with Space.com’s readers, please send your photo(s), comments, and your name and location to [email protected].
