During the first few days of March, the planet Mars passes just below the Pleiades Star Cluster. The Pleiades is one of the closest star clusters to Earth and one of the easiest to locate. This is also a great chance to watch a planet shift position from night to night, as Mars moves past the cluster.

To check it out, head out after dark and look high to the west. Look for Mars as a semi-bright orange star. The Pleiades sometimes is mistaken as a little dipper, to help you recognize the cluster. Use binoculars to get the best view. Visit our star charts page for a chart to help you find the pair.