Pleiades

The Pleiades, also known as the Seven Sisters, is a famous open star cluster located in the constellation of Taurus. This cluster has a rich history and cultural significance across different civilizations. Here’s an overview of the history of the Pleiades: 

1. Ancient Observations: The Pleiades have been observed and recognized by various ancient cultures around the world. They were mentioned in the mythology and folklore of many civilizations, including the Greeks, Romans, Native Americans, and Indigenous Australians. 
2. Greek Mythology: In Greek mythology, the Pleiades were seven sisters who were the daughters of Atlas and Pleione. They were known by their names: Maia, Electra, Taygete, Alcyone, Celaeno, Sterope, and Merope. According to the myth, they were transformed into stars to escape the pursuit of Orion, the hunter. 
3. Cultural Significance: The Pleiades held cultural significance for many ancient civilizations. They were used as a celestial calendar marker for agricultural purposes, indicating the change of seasons and the timing of planting and harvesting. 
4. Historical Records: The Pleiades were mentioned in various historical records. Greek poet Hesiod and Roman poet Ovid referred to the Pleiades in their works. They were also mentioned in ancient Chinese and Indian texts, as well as in the Bible. 
5. Modern Observations: In modern astronomy, the Pleiades star cluster was cataloged as M45 by Charles Messier in the 18th century. It is one of the most well-known and observed star clusters in the night sky. Its distinctive appearance, with its bright stars and blue reflection nebulae, has made it a favorite target for stargazers and astrophotographers. 
6. Scientific Exploration: Scientific studies of the Pleiades have provided valuable insights into stellar evolution and stellar populations. Astronomers have used the Pleiades to study topics such as stellar structure, star formation, and stellar age determination. 
7. Space Missions: The Pleiades cluster has also been observed by space missions. The European Space Agency’s Hipparcos satellite and NASA’s Gaia mission have provided precise measurements of the positions, distances, and proper motions of the individual stars within the cluster. 

Today, the Pleiades continue to be a source of fascination and cultural significance. They serve as a reminder of our connection to the night sky and the enduring impact of ancient civilizations’ observations and mythology.

DEC: 24 7′ 0″