My Favorite Star Cluster: The Pleiades

Photo Credit: Scott Roffers. Pleiades star cluster, M45. Used with permission.

Most people may not have a favorite star cluster, but I do. And winter is the best time to see it! Before I tell you about my favorite star cluster, let's talk about star clusters in general.

What is a Star Cluster?

A star cluster is a group of stars. You might be thinking, "Isn't that just a constellation?" Nope! A constellation is a bunch of stars that look like they're in the same area and are used by people to draw a picture in the night sky. These stars are at different distances. They are different ages and sometimes even different colors! Take a look at Orion and notice the different colors of the stars. 

A star cluster is a group of stars that actually formed together from a nebula. They're all about the same age. Most importantly, they're in the same area of the sky! They're really close together. Star clusters tend to be harder to see because they're all in one small part of space instead of spread out.

Now, to my favorite star cluster! 

It's called the Pleiades (the Seven Sisters)! The Pleiades are located in the constellation of Taurus (the Bull). We can only see about six or seven stars with our eyes, but in binoculars or a small telescope, you can see dozens of stars! They have a slight blue tint to them, which means that they are very hot. That is also why we can see them so well. They are all very young (for stars) – about 100 million years old. It is a beautiful star cluster, but it is only a temporary formation. 

Look at this picture of the Pleiades (pictured above)! It was taken by a local astronomer, Scott Roffers. This is a long exposure which brings out details that we wouldn't be able to see normally. You can see the beautiful blue color of the stars. The gas you can see is leftover from the nebula that originally formed the stars.

The Pleiades are a gorgeous star cluster and it is up in the sky all through the winter! So the next time there are clear skies, go outside and find this beautiful cluster!