Watch the skies: Mars, Pleiades star cluster pair up very closely

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — The closest conjunction of Mars and the Pleiades star cluster in over 30 years will take place early this week.

Two objects are said to be in conjunction when they join up or get very close together in the night sky. This is the closest conjunction of Mars and the Pleiades star cluster since 1991. The next closest conjunction will be in 2038.

The best week to observe the star cluster and the red planet is March 1-5, according to Sky at Night Magazine.

Mars reached a peak brightness during October 2020, and it has been fading in brightness ever since. It continues to get dimmer by the day, but it is still visible to the naked eye. Binoculars will help improve the view and may also allow you to see more stars within the Pleiades star cluster.

If you’re struggling to find Mars and the Pleiades, try to spot Orion the Hunter. The three stars that make up Orion’s belt will point directly toward Mars.

Binoculars will give you a great view of the conjunction, according to Sky at Night, as they will reveal nearby stars that are fainter while still keeping Mars and the Pleiades in view.

The full moon of February took place last weekend. The refraction and reflection of light by ice crystals in high cirrus clouds created this beautiful view of a lunar halo in Jenison, Michigan, captured by Joe Vanthof.