The Pleiades constellation, also known as the seven sisters, is a beautiful and well-known, cluster of stars. In fact, many people are more familiar with this constellation than they realize. Sure, this star cluster can be picked out of the night sky from nearly any point on the planet, but you also probably see it on roads and highways on a fairly regular basis. Subaru’s iconic star logo is a representation of the Pleiades constellation.
In Greek mythology, the Pleiades were seven daughters of Atlas. Atlas was the big guy who held the world up on his shoulders. Literally. Some myths say that the seven sisters were so distraught at their father's fate that they took their own lives. Zeus (the top god on Olympus) then immortalized the daughters of Atlas by placing them in the sky where they became the Pleiades constellation.
Pleiades is one of the most visible star clusters, and is easily seen without the need of a telescope. The constellation can best be viewed in November, but you can still see it in our skies if you're quick. Spend some time star-gazing tonight!
Although the constellation is called the seven sisters, there are far more than seven stars in the cluster. The brighter stars in the group outshine the others making it appear as though there are fewer. However most people can only see six stars without the aid of a telescope. Even the Subaru logo only shows six stars. As a result that are numerous myths about lost Pleiad.
While the Pleiades cluster is easy to see, you have to know what you're looking for in order to find it. The easiest way to track it down is to start with a better-known constellation. Orion, or at least his belt, may be the most recognizable constellation after the dippers. Following the line of stars in Orion’s belt to the right you can make out a V-shaped constellation. This is Taurus. Keep that trajectory going and Pleiades is bright grouping of stars just beyond Taurus.
So take some time to get away from the city lights and see the constellation that Subaru calls a logo.
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