If you’re up before sunrise on November 6, take a few minutes to step outside and look toward the western sky — you’ll be treated to a serene celestial meetup between the nearly full moon and one of the most famous star clusters in the heavens: the Pleiades, also known as the Seven Sisters.
In the early morning hours, the 94%-illuminated moon will be hanging about halfway up the western sky, nestled within the constellation Taurus the Bull. Just a short hop — about five degrees to its upper left (that’s roughly the width of your three middle fingers held at arm’s length) — you’ll find a faint, misty patch of light. That’s the Pleiades open cluster, a dazzling collection of young, hot blue stars born together roughly 100 million years ago.
Now, with the moon shining so brightly, the Pleiades will be fighting a bit of glare — but don’t give up! Grab a pair of 10×50 binoculars and you’ll easily make out their sparkle. You’ll spot the seven brightest jewels of the cluster — Merope, Electra, Maia, Taygete, Asterope, Alcyone, and Celaeno — surrounded by a swarm of fainter suns, part of a cosmic family numbering over a thousand.
If you want to stretch your observing skills even further, look just a little below and to the left of the Pleiades — about the same five-degree distance — to find the spot where the planet Uranus hides in the background stars. With a magnitude of +5.6, it’s far too faint to see without optical help, but through a telescope with at least an 8-inch aperture, you’ll be rewarded with a delicate bluish dot. It may look small and unassuming, but that tiny speck is a gas giant four times wider than Earth, sitting 1.7 billion miles (2.8 billion kilometers) away.
So, before the sun rises and the sky brightens, take a few quiet minutes to soak in this moonlit encounter between our familiar satellite and one of the most enchanting clusters in the heavens.
And if this cosmic view leaves you wanting more, check out my full line of my picks for beginner friendly stargazing gear to help you make the most of every starry night.
Clear skies!
The Celestron FirstScope, is a fantastic little tabletop Dobsonian that makes for a great first telescope for kids of all ages! Its 76mm reflector delivers surprisingly sharp views of the Moon — the craters and maria really pop, and the labeled lunar artwork on the tube makes it extra fun for beginners. The setup couldn’t be easier: just place it on a table, aim, and start exploring. It’s lightweight, sturdy, and super portable, perfect for spontaneous stargazing sessions. Whether you’re introducing kids to astronomy or just want a grab-and-go backyard scope, the FirstScope is a charming, affordable gateway to the night sky.
NOTE: Affiliate links support my stargazing education mission by earning me a small commission on any sale, and it doesn’t cost you any more! My opinions are completely my own, and this content is not sponsored.
