Moon Glides Past the Pleiades: Here’s When, Where and How to watch this stunning sky event on 23 February!

On 23 February, the Moon will appear close to the Pleiades star cluster in a beautiful evening sky conjunction. (Image: Canva)

• On 23 Feb, Moon appears close to Pleiades in the evening sky.
• Best viewed between 6:00 and 7:00 PM EST after sunset.
• Visible in US, Canada, Europe, India, Japan and Australia.

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On the evening of 23 February, skywatchers will be treated to a quiet yet captivating astronomical event. Between 6:00 and 7:00 PM EST, the Moon will appear close to the sparkling Pleiades. It will be one of the most recognisable star clusters in the night sky. It is not a rare cosmic explosion or a once-in-a-century alignment, but sometimes, astronomy’s beauty lies in these gentle, fleeting meetings.

What Will Happen on 23 February?

On this evening, the Moon will appear positioned just beside the Pleiades cluster. To the naked eye, the cluster looks like a tiny shimmering patch of stars. With binoculars, it transforms into a dazzling spray of blue-white points.

The alignment is purely visual. The Moon and the Pleiades are not physically near each other in space. In reality, the Moon is about 384,400 kilometres from Earth, while the Pleiades lies roughly 444 light-years away.

When Does the Moon Glide Past the Pleiades?

The close approach will occur on the evening of 23 February, when the Moon moves along its regular monthly path across the sky. Because the Moon orbits Earth roughly every 27 days.

It frequently passes near prominent stars and clusters. This time, its path brings it close to the Pleiades. This is a bright, compact group of young stars in the constellation Taurus.

Where Will This Event Take Place?

The event will take place in the western evening sky, within the constellation Taurus. Observers in eastern parts of North America will have a favourable view shortly after sunset.

This will be visible in United States, Canada, Europe, India, Japan and Australia. Crescent Moon appears close to the Pleiades star cluster.

At What Time Will It Be Visible?

The pairing will be best seen between 6:00 and 7:00 PM EST on 23 February. This is shortly after sunset, when the sky becomes dark enough for the Pleiades to stand out.

In other time zones across North America, viewing times will shift accordingly. Observers should aim for early evening once twilight fades.

How to See This Night Sky Event?

No telescope is required to enjoy the sight. The Moon will be easily visible to the naked eye and the Pleiades can be spotted as a small, shimmering patch nearby. However, binoculars will significantly enhance the experience.

This reveals dozens of tightly packed stars within the cluster. On 23 February, step outside and look up. The Moon and the Pleiades will share a brief moment in our sky.