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How to Find the Pleiades Star Cluster

The Pleiades stands out among other nearby stars because it looks like a miniature Big Dipper. The star cluster also goes by the names Seven Sisters and M45. The Seven Sisters refer to the bright seven-star formation visible to the naked eye. Astronomers call the Pleiades star cluster an open cluster with a nebula of gas and dust.

Instructions

- 1
  Look straight up into the night sky at specific times. Highest point overhead occurs in September around 4 a.m., November at midnight and around 8 p.m. in January. Adjust according to these times. Before the exact time look eastward and look westward afterwards.
- 2
  Observe a tiny cluster of stars that resemeble a little dipper. The corner star form a cup and an outward star forms the handle.
- 3
  Locate the constellation Orion. Notice three bright stars arranged as an imaginary slope. These stars represent Orion's belt.
- 4
  Draw an imaginary line upwards through Orion's belt until you reach the Seven Sisters. The Pleiades stand out from the surrounding area.
- 5
  Locate Taurus the Bull, to Orion's left (and your right) and note the large, V-shaped star formation. The Pleiades star cluster lies near Taurus' shoulder, just beyond the V.
- 6
  Set your telescope to right ascension 3h, 47m and 24 degrees declination for the exact location.

Astronomy