Pleiades (Messier 45) is an open cluster of stars.This is one of the closest to our planet of objects that can be seen with the naked eye.The Pleiades are located in the constellation Taurus, and are clearly visible in winter in the northern hemisphere and summer - in the southern hemisphere.
This constellation known since antiquity.It is physically linked Star Group, which is located 135 parsecs from Earth.Pleiades - a constellation which has a diameter of about 12 light years and consists of about 500 stars.Most of them belong to the hot blue luminaries, of which 14 can be seen without the use of special equipment.The total mass of the star cluster is approximately the mass of 800 suns.In the constellation of the Pleiades includes a large number of brown dwarfs, whose mass does not exceed 8% of the sun.For the occurrence of thermonuclear chain reaction is not enough.These celestial bodies are constantly engage the attention of astronomers.
in the constellation of the Pleiades also includes several white dwarfs.Flock has a relatively young age.Therefore, his star could hardly manage to evolve into white dwarfs naturally.This process takes several billion years.There is a theory that the light of the large mass binary systems could transfer part of stellar matter to his companions, in a short time turned into a white dwarf.
Pleiades is the approximate age of 75-150 million years.Over time, the lights are no longer bound by gravity, because their speed is higher than the speed of the Pleiades cluster.Constellation then simply fall apart.This must occur within 250 million years.Galactic spiral arms will help expedite the process.
In good viewing conditions on the photos you can see that the Pleiades constellation has some features of the nebula.This effect is due to the reflection of the blue light of hot stars with dust.It used to be that it is a remnant of the material of which were formed by the light clusters.However, over the period of its existence like the accumulation of the particles would be scattered stellar radiation pressure.Therefore, most likely, the Pleiades is currently pass through the dust-laden region of space.
Nine of the brightest stars of this cluster were named Sisters of the Pleiades, as well as their parents Steropa, Electra, Alcyone, Maia, Keleno, Merope, Taygetus, Pleione and Atlas.Due to the fact that the constellation can be seen without special equipment, it is reflected in the cultures of different peoples.
ancient Greeks personified it with the mythological sisters.The Celts associated the Pleiades with the rituals of burial and mourning.Congestion also entered the ancient calendars of Central America and Mexico.In Japan, the constellation known as the Turtles (Subaru).Sioux Indians associated with the accumulation of Devils Tower.In Chinese culture, the Pleiades head symbolized the mythical Western White Tiger.In Hinduism, this cluster of stars is one of the most significant.It symbolizes perseverance and anger.According to the Vedas, the Pleiades rules Agni - the god of fire.
