California’s night skies have another celestial event in store this month. On October 27 and 28, the Moon will appear close to the Seven Sisters star cluster, creating a beautiful pairing for anyone who enjoys stargazing.
Also known as the Pleiades, the star cluster is made up of hundreds of stars, although only a handful are usually visible to the naked eye. Here’s when to look up and how to spot it.
🔭 When can you see the Seven Sisters near the Moon?
According to NASA, the Moon will pass close to the Pleiades on the night of Tuesday, October 27, into Wednesday, October 28.
To see the pairing, look toward the eastern sky during the evening as the Moon and star cluster rise higher above the horizon.
The Moon will be bright following October’s full moon, so some of the cluster’s fainter stars may be harder to see. Binoculars or a telescope can help reveal more of the stars, but you can still try spotting the cluster with the naked eye.
🌟 What are the Seven Sisters?
The Seven Sisters, also known as the Pleiades, are a famous star cluster in the constellation Taurus. The group looks like a tiny collection of stars packed closely together, making it relatively easy to recognize in a dark sky.
Although the cluster contains hundreds of stars, observers can typically spot around six or seven without special equipment.
The Pleiades have also appeared in myths and stories across many cultures throughout history. Their appearance in the autumn sky has helped make them a familiar sight for generations of stargazers.
🌙 How to get the best view
Find a spot with a clear view of the eastern sky, away from bright city lights if possible, and give your eyes time to adjust to the darkness.
Binoculars are a particularly good option for spotting more stars around the Moon. Since moonlight can make the cluster harder to see, try looking carefully beside the bright lunar disk rather than focusing only on the Moon itself.
And if clouds get in the way on Tuesday night, check the sky again on Wednesday. The Moon and the Pleiades will still be close enough to make an interesting sight.
