The Cosmic Crown Jewel is a nickname for star clusters. The Pleiades are the jewels in the cosmic crown. This star cluster shines beautifully in the middle of the outer sky.
Interestingly, this star cluster is one of the closest to Earth. Its close range makes it easy for anyone to see it.
However, there are still some times that are more suitable for seeing the Pleiades without having to use a telescope.
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The beautiful appearance of the Cosmic Crown Jewel
Around the Earth there are many stars that shine very brightly. Some stars have gathered relatively close together to form clusters or groups.
One of the most famous star groups is the Pleiades. It is one of the closest star clusters to Earth and is often called the jewel in the crown.
According to existing estimates, the Pleiades is 100 million years old. There are at least more than 500 stars in this open cluster.
Currently the stars of the Pleiades can merge due to gravity. However, scientists predict that the Pleiades cluster will collapse within the next 250 million years.
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Seeing without a telescope
The Pleiades are located about 400 light years from Earth. This distance is quite close compared to other star clusters.
At night, the Pleiades are located between the constellation Taurus. Therefore, it is actually possible to see more than 14 stars if there is no air pollution.
Among the many stars, there are 7 brown dwarfs which are actually failed stars. These brown dwarfs have such a small mass that they can initiate nuclear fusion.
So they glow in infrared light but emit very little “normal” light. These stars will be visible when you are in the south of France or in the city of Amsterdam.
Usually the Pleiades are best seen between October and April, but November is the best time. In November, this jewel in the cosmic crown can also be seen all night long.
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Pleiades in every culture
In fact, this star cluster is already quite famous. The name Pleiades itself comes from the Ancient Greek meaning “to sail” because it was first seen during the sailing season.
In ancient Greece, the name of the Pleiades is the seven sons of the titan named Atlas and Pleione. However, the name of the Pleiades also differs in each culture.
In Aboriginal legend, this star is known as the “Yunggarmurra water girls”. Meanwhile, in Indonesia it is known as Lintang Waluh or Lintang Kartika which means “star of stars”.
In India, the Pleiades cluster is known as “Kritikka”. Japan also has another name, that is “Subaru” which means the stars gather.
The Pleiades as cosmic crown jewels can easily be seen in the French and Amsterdam regions. However, you still need to use a telescope if you want to see it in more detail. (R10/HR-Online)
