The famous star cluster, also known as “Bintang Tujuh”, is a group of about 800 stars located 410 light-years away in the constellation Taurus.

Look Northwest at dusk and throughout the evening to see the cosmic duo progress to setting in the West (at around 10.30 pm Brunei Time).

On March 02, 2021, members of the Brunei Darussalam Astronomical Society (PABD) captured the red planet appears close to the Messier 45 (M45) or Pleiades star cluster from Brunei Darussalam.

The closest approach happens tonight, March 03, when they will be about 3 degrees apart. The cosmic pair is the closest since January 1991, and the next closest one will be in February 2038.

The Pleiades (M45) is the most famous of all open cluster and very rich with more than 1000 stars. At least 7 prominent stars in the cluster are easily visible, hence this jewel is nicknamed as the “Seven Sisters”.

The rare spectacular conjunction will be visible either to the naked eyes or best view with a small telescope/binoculars. A great moment to photograph too! Look west just after sunset, and see for yourself.

Venus passes through the Pleiades in this way about once every 8 years. According to EarthSky, “the last good opportunity of similar celestial pairing happened on April 3, 2012, and next will take place on April 4, 2028.”

Clear skies!

The moon, mighty Jupiter and bright stars cluster of Pleiades appear in celestial conjunction on the night of Dec 25, 2012. Stargazers will be able to see the moon is closed to the planet and stars cluster through the night sky. A great opportunity to all astrophotographers in Brunei to capture the spectacular event.