Pleiades
open cluster · Taurus · 1.2ᵐ
The Pleiades — the most recognisable cluster in the sky. Six or seven stars show to the naked eye out of about a thousand members; the cluster is only 100 million years old.
Notable facts
Covers about 3.5 times more sky than the Moon.
In brief
Which constellation is Pleiades in?
Pleiades lies in Taurus.
Is Pleiades visible to the naked eye?
1.2ᵐ — visible to the naked eye (under dark skies).
When is the best time to observe Pleiades?
Best observed in November.
Data
- RA / Dec (J2000)
- 3h 47m · +24° 07′
- Type
- open cluster
- Constellation
- Taurus
- How to observe
- 1.2ᵐ — visible to the naked eye (under dark skies)
- Angular size
- 110′
- Designation
- M45 · Pleiades
Observing tip
Best in binoculars or a telescope at low power, so the whole cluster fits in the field of view.
Altitude above the horizon by latitude
| Latitude | Maximum altitude | Rise azimuth |
|---|---|---|
| +60° | 54° | 35° |
| +55° | 59° | 45° |
| +45° | 69° | 55° |
| +30° | 84° | 62° |
| 0° | 66° | 66° |
| −35° | 31° | 60° |
Geometric altitude at upper culmination, atmospheric refraction not included. Positive latitudes are in the northern hemisphere.
Culmination time by month
| Month | Culmination |
|---|---|
| January | 20:01 |
| February | 17:54 |
| March | 16:09 |
| April | 14:16 |
| May | 12:21 |
| June | 10:15 |
| July | 08:11 |
| August | 06:10 |
| September | 04:17 |
| October | 02:28 |
| November | 00:28 |
| December | 22:19 |
Upper culmination in local solar time — no time-zone or daylight-saving correction applied.