pleiades

Everyday

1. The Pleiades is a bright cluster of stars in the night sky, in the constellation Taurus, also called the Seven Sisters; in Japan it is called Subaru, and in New Zealand Māori call it Matariki. tree →
2. In Greek myths, the Pleiades were seven sisters, daughters of Atlas, who were turned into stars. tree →

In the lessons

In science lessons on space, the Pleiades is a star cluster you can see without a telescope in winter (in the north); people with good eyes count six or seven stars. In New Zealand, Matariki (the rising of the Pleiades in midwinter) marks the Māori New Year and is a public holiday. The cluster is mentioned in the Bible (Book of Job).

Examples

• We saw the Pleiades on a clear winter night. tree →
• The Pleiades look like a tiny group of stars. tree →
• The Pleiades are also called the Seven Sisters. tree →
• In New Zealand, Matariki is the Māori name for the Pleiades. tree →
• The Subaru car logo shows the Pleiades. tree →
• In the Greek myth, the Pleiades were seven sisters. tree →
• With binoculars you can see dozens of stars in the Pleiades. tree →

Note

A proper name: capital P, with «the». Pronounced «PLY-uh-deez». It is a star cluster, not a planet or a constellation by itself.

In Jewish tradition

The Pleiades is a group of stars. Job names it with Orion and the Bear as a wonder God made and rules.

Interpretation. Tradition says the Hebrew word is Kimah, and sages discussed which stars it meant. The verses show that only God sets the order of the heavens.

Examples

• Who maketh the Bear, Orion, and the Pleiades, and the chambers of the south. (Writings JOB.9.9, JPS 1917) tree →
• Canst thou bind the chains of the Pleiades, or loose the bands of Orion? (Writings JOB.38.31, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

A proper name: capital P, with «the». Pronounced «PLY-uh-deez». It is a star cluster, not a planet or a constellation by itself.