The Pleiades star cluster forms the shoulder of the constellation of Taurus the bull, and is a beautiful sight in Northern Hemisphere winter skies.

They are also sometimes known as the Seven Sisters. Greek legend tells that the sisters called for help from Zeus when they were being pursued by Orion. Zeus turned them into doves and placed them in the sky.

In a native American tale, the Pleiades are seven children who, on a walk, lost their way and never made it home. They remained in the sky, staying close together. The seventh sister is hard to see because she really wants to go back to earth, and her tears dim her luster.

The dabblings of very, very amateur astronomers follow...