Moon to align with Pleiades cluster before dawn Wednesday across Saudi Arabia, Arab world

The skies over Saudi Arabia and the wider Arab world will witness a close visual alignment between the waning gibbous moon and the Pleiades star cluster, known as the "Seven Sisters," before dawn on Wednesday. The phenomenon will be visible to the naked eye, while binoculars will offer a clearer view of the cluster's stars.

Majed Abu Zahra, president of the Jeddah Astronomical Society, explained that the conjunction will occur at 4:11 a.m. Mecca time, with the moon and Pleiades appearing side by side in the sky, separated by about one degree. He noted that the moon's brightness—having passed its full phase on October 26—may obscure some of the cluster's fainter stars.

Abu Zahra added that the Pleiades cluster is part of the Taurus constellation and is designated astronomically as "M45." It is located about 440 light-years from Earth and contains a large number of stars, though typically only six or seven are visible to the naked eye depending on viewing conditions.

He pointed out that the Pleiades have held a prominent place in Arab astronomical heritage, as their seasonal appearance is linked to changes in the seasons and traditional calendars. He emphasized that the moon's conjunction with the cluster is purely a visual phenomenon and does not affect weather or climate conditions.

The event can be observed from late Tuesday night until dawn on Wednesday, with binoculars recommended from locations away from light pollution. Abu Zahra noted that in some regions, certain Pleiades stars may be occulted by the moon depending on the observer's location.

He stressed that the proximity between the moon and Pleiades is only apparent, as the moon is on average about 384,000 kilometers from Earth, while the Pleiades are hundreds of light-years away. Abu Zahra said the event offers astronomy and photography enthusiasts a chance to capture one of October's most notable celestial sights.