In an exciting celestial event, the moon will have a close encounter with the Pleiades star cluster on Sunday, November 26. This rare occurrence will see the moon within 1 degree of the Seven Sisters, officially known as Messier 45 (M45), located in the constellation of Taurus.
For those in New York City, the Pleiades will rise at 3:46 p.m. EST, with the nearly-full moon following shortly after at 3:48 p.m. EST. This dazzling display will continue until approximately 6:54 p.m. EST on Monday, November 27.
During this close approach, the brightness of the moon will outshine the stars of the Pleiades, making it challenging to see some of the fainter stars in the cluster. Nevertheless, this celestial rendezvous provides a fascinating opportunity to observe the Pleiades, an open cluster located around 44 light-years from Earth.
With its significance deeply rooted in history and mythology, the Pleiades has captivated humans for centuries. Known for its association with various myths and cultures, this star cluster holds a special place in our collective narrative.
The Pleiades, also called the Seven Sisters, is home to a stellar population that boasts a mass equivalent to approximately 800 suns and stretches for about 17.5 light-years. Its distinctive features include a mix of young and massive blue stars, as well as a population of smaller and older red stars.
To add to the cosmic intrigue, the moon will be fully illuminated as the Full Beaver Moon when it rises on November 27. This name stems from Native American traditions that linked this month’s moon with the time to set beaver traps before the water froze.
So mark your calendars, grab your telescopes, and make sure to catch the moon’s close encounter with the Pleiades this Sunday. It’s a celestial spectacle that shouldn’t be missed, as it offers a glimpse into our ancient history and the wonders of the universe.
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