What’s happening the morning of November 6?
Early in the day on November 6, skywatchers will have a striking celestial alignment: the Moon will appear in the western sky close to the Pleiades open cluster, also known as the Seven Sisters. With the Moon at about 94% illuminated, the lunar disk will glow brightly as dawn approaches, providing a beautiful contrast against the delicate blue-and-gold stars of the Pleiades in Taurus.
This is a great chance to practice low-power binoculars or a small telescope technique, where you can enjoy the Moon’s terminator lightly brushing against the cluster without losing the surrounding star field to glare. The Moon’s proximity to the Pleiades makes for an ideal morning “photography warm-up” that combines lunar detail with the cluster’s signature sparkle.
Where to look and when
Head to a clear western horizon about 60 to 90 minutes before sunrise. The Moon should be roughly midway up the western sky, moving slowly as the Sun rises behind you. In the minutes leading up to dawn, you’ll notice the Moon and the cluster tracing a gentle arc as Earth’s rotation reveals Taurus in the predawn sky. The Pleiades (M45) is a compact, shimmering cluster famous for its seven brightest stars and a misty blue glow. In a modest binocular view, you’ll easily separate the cluster’s core and several surrounding stars, while the Moon’s illuminated surface adds a separate, dramatic element to the scene.
Tips for a successful sighting
Know your timing: check local times for nautical or civil twilight to gauge the best window. The Moon’s brightness will brighten the sky near dawn, so try a short window when the horizon isn’t yet glowing.
Equipment: start with a good pair of 7×50 or 10×50 binoculars to frame both the Moon and Pleiades together. If you have a small telescope (4–6 inches), you can capture more lunar detail while keeping the cluster within the field of view.
Light discipline: avoid looking at bright lights or street lamps; a brief red-light flashlight helps preserve night vision. Allow about 5–10 minutes for your eyes to adjust to the darkness before you aim the optics toward Taurus.
What you’ll see
The Moon, nearly full at 94% illumination, will stand out against the dark sky, showing craters and maria with a gentle glow. The Pleiades cluster shines with a compact grouping of young, hot blue stars and a faint solar-tinted haze, giving it a distinct, almost pearly appearance. The contrast between the Moon’s bright disk and the subtle cluster makes for a memorable morning scene and a satisfying astrophotography opportunity.
Why this alignment is special
Conjunctions like this between a bright Moon and a prominent star cluster are not everyday events. They give observers a chance to practice binocular technique, star-hopping, and dusk-to-dawn sky awareness. The Moon’s proximity to Taurus and the Seven Sisters also highlights the seasonal shift in the morning sky as winter approaches in the Northern Hemisphere.
Safety and accessibility
The dawn sky can be chilly in November, so dress warmly and bring a thermos of something hot. This event is accessible to beginners and seasoned observers alike—no advanced equipment required—making it an excellent family-friendly skywatch. For photographers, a stable tripod and a camera with manual exposure control can yield striking lunar-cluster images with a little experimentation.
Plan your observation
~ Local time: pre-dawn on November 6. Western horizon. Expect the Moon to hover around the Pleiades for a short observing window before sunrise.
