[REVISION HISTORY]

Moon and Pleiades conjunctions

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2026-09-25 23:10 UTC → 2026-09-29 15:47 UTC · added ~~removed~~

In early September, a conjunction between the Moon and the Pleiades star cluster was observed, with the Moon’s distance from the cluster decreasing from approximately 8 degrees to 5 degrees during a period of 66% illumination. ~~Later in the month,~~ Following this, a second close conjunction was ~~noted~~ scheduled for the evening of September 30. During this event, a waning Moon with approximately 79 to 80 percent illumination ~~appeared~~ was expected to appear in the Taurus constellation. Observers were advised to view the pairing in the eastern sky, with the Moon rising around 8:00 PM and the cluster positioned immediately to its right. Astronomers noted that while similar conjunctions occur in October and December, the September event was considered particularly favorable due to the Moon's phase. Using binoculars was recommended to capture both celestial bodies in a single field of view, though the Pleiades could be visible to the naked eye by midnight as the pair reached an altitude of nearly 40 degrees. Experts also highlighted the possibility of witnessing rare occultations through telescopes as cluster members passed behind the dark side of the Moon. To support observations, the Svábhegyi Observatory organized a telescope demonstration on September 30, which included views of Saturn, the M15 globular cluster, and lunar craters.

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