How to Spot the Pleiades Cluster

Know where to look, approximately., If the moon is not visible, (by this if it is below the horizon), but Orion is, the cluster is probably east of Orion., Make sure all nearby light sources are off., Look directly at between Orion and the moon., If...

16 Steps 1 min read Advanced

Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Step 1: Know where to look

    The cluster itself is actually very bright, but is far away from Earth, and therefore, difficult to spot with the naked eye.

    First thing, know where to look in the sky.

    The cluster is generally somewhere between the moon and the Orion constellation.

    Locate the moon, (shouldn't be too hard), and then locate Orion.
  2. Step 2: approximately.

    If the moon is visible but Orion is not, look to the west of the moon. , If there is any light pollution at all then the cluster will be extremely difficult to find. , You should be looking high into the sky. ,, If you look closer, you can even make out the individual stars, an may even notice the dipper shaped pattern they make. ,, You have just spotted the Pleiades star cluster.
  3. Step 3: If the moon is not visible

  4. Step 4: (by this if it is below the horizon)

  5. Step 5: but Orion is

  6. Step 6: the cluster is probably east of Orion.

  7. Step 7: Make sure all nearby light sources are off.

  8. Step 8: Look directly at between Orion and the moon.

  9. Step 9: If you wear glasses for distance vision correction

  10. Step 10: put them on.

  11. Step 11: Squint if you have to

  12. Step 12: but you should eventually be able to see a faint blue light

  13. Step 13: not a single star

  14. Step 14: in the sky.

  15. Step 15: Try using a telescope or some binoculars for a better view.

  16. Step 16: Congrats.

Detailed Guide

The cluster itself is actually very bright, but is far away from Earth, and therefore, difficult to spot with the naked eye.

First thing, know where to look in the sky.

The cluster is generally somewhere between the moon and the Orion constellation.

Locate the moon, (shouldn't be too hard), and then locate Orion.

If the moon is visible but Orion is not, look to the west of the moon. , If there is any light pollution at all then the cluster will be extremely difficult to find. , You should be looking high into the sky. ,, If you look closer, you can even make out the individual stars, an may even notice the dipper shaped pattern they make. ,, You have just spotted the Pleiades star cluster.

About the Author

R

Ronald Sullivan

A passionate writer with expertise in creative arts topics. Loves sharing practical knowledge.

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