Astronz Object Of The Week: Matariki
M45: The Pleiades Star Cluster
One of the most captivating sights in the night sky is the Pleiades star cluster, also known as M45. This brilliant cluster is easy to find and currently visible in the New Zealand summer skies. With its tight grouping of bright blue stars, it’s a must-see for stargazers of all levels.
What is M45?
The Pleiades is a relatively young open star cluster, just about 100 million years old. It contains over 1,000 stars, though only the brightest six or seven are visible to the naked eye under dark skies. These stars are surrounded by faint nebulosity, the remnants of the gas and dust from which they were formed.
The cluster is located about 440 light-years away in the constellation Taurus, making it one of the nearest star clusters to Earth.
How to Find the Pleiades
To spot Matariki in early December just after dusk, look east and locate Orion (“the pot”). From there, move your gaze to the left to find a triangular grouping of stars, which includes the bright red Aldebaran (Taumata-kuku). Continue left until you come across a small, compact cluster of faint stars—this is Matariki., resembling a mini-dipper in shape.
Best Ways to View the Pleiades
- Naked Eye: The Pleiades is easily visible without any equipment. On a clear night, count how many stars you can see—it’s a fun challenge!
- Binoculars: A pair of binoculars enhances the view dramatically, revealing dozens of stars packed into this cluster.
- Telescopes: Use a wide-field telescope to capture the full cluster in one view. The surrounding nebulosity, faint and wispy, adds a magical touch for more experienced observers.
- Astrophotography: The Pleiades is a rewarding target for astrophotographers. Its bright stars and blue nebula make for stunning images.