PLEIADES

400 light-years

Easy to see on a clear night, the Pleiades form an open cluster of young, blue stars seen in the constellation of Taurus. Greek mythology identifies them as the daughters of Atlas and Pleione (the seven sisters). Six stars are clearly visible, and legend says a seventh (Merope) dimmed with shame after consorting with a mortal. The Pleiades feature in the mythology of cultures all over the world. The Japanese name - Subaru - is used both for a car company and for a huge telescope in Hawaii.

Credit: Image made in visible light by Robert Gendler.