What's Happening?
During the second week of September, the Moon will pass near the Pleiades star cluster, providing a notable event for early morning sky observation. The Pleiades, also known as M45, is a bright star cluster resembling a small dipper, visible even with the Moon nearby. Astronomy magazine's Editor Emeritus, Dave Eicher, highlights this event as a chance for successful astronomical observation, encouraging enthusiasts to take advantage of the opportunity.
Why It's Important?
The Moon's proximity to the Pleiades offers a visually striking event that can engage both amateur and seasoned astronomers. Such events foster interest in celestial observation and provide educational moments for understanding star clusters and lunar movements. The visibility of the Pleiades despite the Moon's brightness underscores the cluster's prominence and aids in public appreciation of astronomical phenomena.
