Three of the most popular targets for astronomers of all skill levels are the Seven Sisters (the Pleiades), the Hyades and the Orion Nebula Cluster (ONC), which is the central "star" in Orion’s Sword.

the constellation Orion with the Orion Nebula Cluster as the central “star” in the sword of Orion, the Pleiades and the Hyades. All three open clusters are highlighted by large yellow circles. Orion ...

Fig. 1: An image of the star cluster Westerlund 1, captured with the Near-InfraRed Camera on NASA’s James Webb’s Space Telescope. The cluster is largely hidden at visible wavelengths by dust clouds, ...

"It appears that there is a preferred physical environment in which stars form when they evolve within these clouds." When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. The Orion Nebula, Pleiades and Hyades open clusters highlighted by large yellow circles. | Credit ...