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matariki, the Pleiades or seven sisters designed and painted in New Zealand. Glow in the dark New Zealand mural

The Pleiades

The Pleiades, a standout among the constellations, is recognised as the most well known star cluster visible from all corners of the Earth within the constellation of Taurus. The best time to see the Pleiades in the Northern Hemisphere is from October to March, especially during the winter months. In the Southern Hemisphere, they're visible during the same months, but as a summer asterism, they appear lower in the sky. In New Zealand they disappear behind the sun during April and reappear mid June in the morning eastern sky, just before dawn. The reappearance marks the beginning of the Maori New Year. In New Zealand find the Pleiades by looking first for the three stars of Orion's belt. Extend the Belt line to the left (west),...

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