The Stars of the Show
This month's celestial pairing features Jupiter, the largest planet in our solar system, and the Pleiades, a stunning cluster of stars also known as the 'Seven Sisters'. Jupiter, a brilliant and steady point of light, will be a dominant feature in the predawn
sky. The Pleiades cluster, located in the constellation of Taurus, is one of the nearest star clusters to Earth and is easily visible to the naked eye, appearing as a tiny, misty dipper of stars. While often called the Seven Sisters, most people can typically see six to seven stars without aid, but the cluster actually contains over a thousand stars bound by gravity.
When and Where to Look
According to NASA's guide for the month, the key dates to watch are towards the end of October. On the nights of October 27th and 28th, the Moon will pass close by the Pleiades cluster, making it an excellent signpost. To spot them, you should look towards the eastern sky in the evening as the Moon and the cluster climb higher through the night. Jupiter makes its grand appearance in the early morning hours. Look for a brilliant, unwavering light rising in the east-northeast after about 2:30 a.m. On the morning of October 6th, a thin crescent Moon will appear very close to Jupiter, offering another beautiful pairing for early risers.
How to Identify Jupiter
Finding Jupiter is simple: it's one of the brightest objects in the night sky. Unlike stars, which twinkle due to atmospheric disturbance, planets like Jupiter shine with a steady, solid light. This month, you'll find it rising in the east in the hours before dawn. Its sheer brightness makes it unmistakable. If you see a very bright 'star' that isn’t twinkling, you have most likely found the gas giant. By the time dawn begins to break, it will be positioned high in the eastern sky, offering a clear view.
Spotting the Seven Sisters
The Pleiades can be a bit trickier to find than Jupiter, but are incredibly rewarding. Look for a small, fuzzy patch of light that resembles a tiny ladle or dipper. They are located in the constellation Taurus. A good way to find them is to first locate the V-shaped pattern of stars that forms the face of Taurus the Bull, marked by the bright, reddish star Aldebaran. The Pleiades cluster rides on the bull's shoulder. The close pass of the Moon on October 27-28 will be your best guide, drawing your eye directly to the right area.
Tips for the Best Viewing Experience
To make the most of this celestial show, try to get away from bright city lights. Light pollution can wash out fainter objects like the Pleiades. Find a comfortable spot, perhaps with a blanket or chair, and give your eyes about 20-30 minutes to fully adapt to the darkness; this will dramatically increase what you can see. While both Jupiter and the Pleiades are visible with the naked eye, a simple pair of binoculars will transform your view. Through binoculars, the Pleiades cluster explodes into dozens of glittering blue-white stars, and you might even be able to glimpse Jupiter's four largest moons appearing as tiny pinpricks of light flanking the planet.
