The Pleiades Star Cluster
The Pleiades is a tight cluster of stars that has fascinated us for thousands of years. The Europeans called it “the Seven Sisters”, the Japanese called it “Subaru”, ancient Arabs called it “al-Ṯurayyā”, in India, it was “Kṛittika”, and in China it was “mǎo”.
It is easily visible, even in large cities, and is quite surprising when viewed for the first time. This tight cluster of stars occupies a space about that of a full moon. In February, in the northern hemisphere, it will be almost overhead in mid-evening. Be prepared for a “what the heck is that” moment.
It is only 444 light-years distance, which is very close on a galactic scale. The nine bright stars of the cluster are considered middle-aged and unusually hot. This brightens the interstellar dust and gas between them. However, this dust and gas is cold, and only passively reflects the light from the main stars.
For amateur astrophotographers, the challenge is to reveal the chaotic streaks in the faint reflective clouds, as they suggest complex gravitational forces.
Together, these clouds have a memorable shape. Some say it looks like a ballerina in a tutu, others say it looks like a blue butterfly with its gossamer wings extended.
I photographed the Pleiades from my garden in Strasbourg France on 3 nights in January and February 2024. 57 x 5 minute exposures (almost 5 hours).
