Earth & Sky

As Antares sets, the Pleiades star cluster rises

Tonight is Saturday, Oct 04 2008

As seen from North America this Saturday evening, the waxing crescent moon will be to the east (left) of Antares, the brightest star in the constellation Scorpius the Scorpion. But as seen from Australia, the moon will actually occult – cover over – this star for an hour or so Saturday night. For more on this occultation, we refer you to yesterday’s Tonight’s Sky.

At mid-northern latitudes, Antares will set around 9:00 p.m. local daylight savings time. Farther north, Antares will set earlier, whereas farther south Antares will set at a later hour. In fact, at middle latitudes south of the equator – like at southern Australia and New Zealand – Antares will set a good 3 hours later than at our mid-northern latitudes.

One thing remains constant, however, no matter where you live worldwide. Whenever Antares sets in your southwest sky, the Pleiades star cluster in the constellation Taurus the Bull rises into your northeast sky. Another thing remains constant as well. Antares sets 4 minutes earlier every day while the Pleiades star cluster rises 4 minutes earlier daily.

By mid to late November, Antares will disappear from the night sky, while the Pleiades star cluster will shine all night long!

Written by Bruce McClure , 4 October 08

6 Comments for As Antares sets, the Pleiades star cluster rises

1. 1

   Oct 3, 11:24 PM #

   lynndsey says:

   HI my name is lynndsey and I love your guy’s website it is awesome

2. 2

   Oct 4, 09:14 AM #

   Bruce McClure says:

   Thank you, lynndsey!

   Bruce

3. 3

   Oct 4, 12:15 PM #

   Mark Wickman says:

   Looking ahead a few months, what will be rising in the evening as the Pleiades star cluster sets.

4. 4

   Oct 4, 12:28 PM #

   Bruce McClure says:

   Mark,

   When you see the Pleiades star cluster low in the west, you’ll see Spica, the brightest star in the constellation Virgo, low in the east.

   Bruce

5. 5

   Oct 10, 12:38 PM #

   Ruben Perez says:

   Love your website.
   At dawn looking west, there is a bright star low in the sky can you tell me the name. Thanks

6. 6

   Oct 10, 01:27 PM #

   Bruce McClure says:

   Hi Rueben.

   Thank you for the compliment. I can’t think of any bright star low in the west at dawn at this time of year. Any chance you were looking south? That’s where you’d see Sirius, the brightest star in the sky, at dawn in October. I send you a preview of our Oct. 13th Sirius show.

   Bruce