The Pleiades are a beautiful cluster of stars in the constellation of Taurus. It is one of the closest star clusters to Earth, being around 400 light years away. Plus, it's very photogenic!
Steps
Step 1. Identify the constellation of Auriga, which is a large pentagon
Locating the Auriga is just a matter of finding its brightest star, Capella. This yellowish star is hard to miss. In early autumn, it rises a few hours after sunset, and is usually the first of the winter stars in the northern hemisphere.
Step 2. Look south from Capella
You should see a bright star called Aldebaran. Aldebaran is the brightest star in the constellation of Taurus. This orange-red star is barely less bright than Capella.
Step 3. Look slightly northwest of Aldebaran
You should see the Pleiades. Depending on where you are, they should be easy to spot.
Note: the Pleiades resemble the "Big Dipper" (the Big Dipper); there are only a couple of rather bright stars, while the rest of the cluster has a "confused" appearance
Method 1 of 1: Light Polluted Skies
Step 1. In light-polluted skies, finding the Pleiades is a little more difficult
In this case, you will need to find the brightest stars and use them as a guide.
Step 2. Locate Capella in the Auriga
In bright skies, the pentagon shape of the constellation is a little more evident.
Step 3. Head south and look for the red-orange star Aldebaran
Step 4. Head west of Aldebaran
You may need binoculars to locate the Pleiades in an urban sky, but with a little patience you may also be able to distinguish the brightest stars in this cluster.
Advice
- You can also try to find the Orion constellation. Follow the belt of Orion to the Taurus, look beyond the Taurus until you see a structure similar to a small diamond full of dots: they are the Pleiades.
- Use binoculars instead of telescope. The Pleiades cover a rather large area and the binoculars have a wider view than the telescope.
- The Pleiades are most visible between October and April.
- Look for the fiery Aldebaran, the fiery eye of the Bull, look a little higher, and here is the Pleiades, the most beautiful cluster of all.
