Moon and Pleiades star cluster alignment expected September 30

On Wednesday, September 30, the Moon will appear against the backdrop of the Pleiades, an open star cluster located in the constellation Taurus. Astronomers suggest that observations can begin around 7:30 PM and will remain visible throughout the night.

The Pleiades, also known as the Seven Sisters, consist of several hundred young stars approximately 100 million years old, situated about 450 light-years from Earth. While a few of the brightest stars are visible to the naked eye, using binoculars is recommended to see dozens of stars and to capture the Moon and the cluster in the same field of view.

At the time of the event, the Moon will be in a phase a few days past full, with approximately 79 percent of its disk illuminated.