Moon close to Pleiades, Aldebaran and Mars
For everybody across the globe, the waxing crescent moon is close to the glittering Pleiades star cluster on the nights of February 25 and 26. The Pleiades, formed like a tiny dipper, are additionally known as the Seven Sisters or Messier 45 (M45). They’re a real household of stars, born collectively and nonetheless shifting collectively as a household. And they’re additionally fabulous in binoculars!
Additionally close by, you’ll discover a vivid crimson star. It’s Aldebaran, the fiery eye of Taurus the Bull. Aldebaran is one in every of our sky’s brightest stars. It’s a part of a V-shaped group of stars – the Hyades – that types the Bull’s face.
By the best way, though Aldebaran seems amongst them, it isn’t truly a member of the Hyades star cluster. The very fact is, it’s truly a lot nearer to us in space than the opposite stars of the Hyades cluster.
Now look once more. There’s one other vivid crimson gentle close by. It’s the crimson planet, Mars – which was at its brightest throughout its opposition in December – and which is now fading day by day, as we race away from it in our smaller, sooner orbit across the sun. However Mars remains to be loads vivid! It’s nonetheless barely brighter than Aldebaran. You’ll take pleasure in selecting it out among the many stars on these evenings.
The moon, Mars and Taurus will descend under the western horizon shortly after midnight. So catch them within the night earlier than they slip away for the day.
Because the view of the celebs, moon and planets varies by your place on the globe, we recommend you strive Stellarium for a exact star chart on your location.
Last chance to get a moon phase calendar! Only a few left.
Backside line: Look ahead to the moon close to the Pleiades – a phenomenal star cluster – on the evenings of February 25 and 26. Additionally close by you’ll discover Mars and the brilliant star Aldebaran.
For more great observing events in the coming weeks, visit EarthSky’s night sky guide
