#3: THE SEVEN SISTERS – THE PLEIADES

Few star figures are as familiar as the Pleiades, also known as the Seven Sisters. Without doubt, they are together the most famous star cluster in our galaxy. If you have any difficulty in recognizing various stars and constellations then you start with the Pleiades. This group looks at first glance like a shimmering little cloud of light. But further examination will reveal a tight knot of 6 or 7 stars, though some with very acute eyesight have been able to see 11 or more under excellent sky conditions.

But for the very best effect, examine the Pleiades either through 7-power binoculars, or better yet, a small telescope magnifying 15 to 20-power with a wide field of view. In this manner, they will offer an almost indescribable sight.

About 250 stars have been identified as members of this cluster. Several stars in the cluster seem to be enveloped in clouds of dust, perhaps left over from the stuff which they were formed. About 410 light-years away and some 20 light-years across, the group may be no older than 20 million years.

The brightest stars glitter like an array of icy blue diamonds on black velvet. Or, as Tennyson wrote, in the opening passage of Locksley Hall, they " . . . glitter like a swarm of fireflies tangled in a silver braid."

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