Pleiades to Grace Qatar Skies Alongside Moon Twice in September 2026

The Pleiades, a notable star cluster, is composed of approximately 250 individual stars, according to astronomical observations. This celestial grouping will be visible in the skies over دولة قطر (Qatar) alongside the Moon twice in September 2026, offering a prominent display for stargazers in the المنطقة العربية (Arabian region), including the capital مدينة الدوحة (Doha). The anticipated conjunction of the Pleiades and the Moon provides a significant astronomical event.

Key Dates and Times

The Pleiades will be observed near the Moon for the first time during September 2026 on the evening of Thursday, September 3. Dr. Bashir Marzouk, an Astronomical Expert at Qatar Calendar House, stated, "The Pleiades will be near the moon for the first time during September on the evening of Thursday, the 21st of Rabi' al-Awwal 1448 AH, corresponding to September 3, 2026 AD, and residents of the State of Qatar can enjoy observing and seeing the Pleiades stars and the moon together with the naked eye above the eastern horizon from after moonrise until before sunrise the next day." On this date, the moonrise is scheduled for 9:54 PM Doha local time. Later in the month, on September 30, 2026, the Pleiades will rise at 8:00 PM.

Understanding the Pleiades

Historically, the Pleiades cluster was known among Arabs as 'The Seven Sisters'. This designation reflects a long-standing cultural and astronomical interest in the celestial group within the region. The cluster, which is easily visible to the naked eye under clear conditions, has been a significant point of reference in various ancient civilizations and continues to fascinate observers. Its distinctive appearance, resembling a small dipper or a tight grouping of stars, made it a recognizable fixture in the night sky. The Pleiades' visibility and unique configuration have contributed to its prominence in both scientific observation and cultural narratives over centuries.

Astronomical Significance

The Pleiades will again be visible near the Moon for the second time in September on the evening of Wednesday, September 30, 2026. On this occasion, the angular separation between the Pleiades and the Moon will be approximately 1.1 arc degrees, providing another opportunity for observation. Dr. Bashir Marzouk, an Astronomical Expert at Qatar Calendar House, previously noted the visibility of these celestial bodies, stating, "The Pleiades will be near the moon for the first time during September on the evening of Thursday, the 21st of Rabi' al-Awwal 1448 AH, corresponding to September 3, 2026 AD, and residents of the State of Qatar can enjoy observing and seeing the Pleiades stars and the moon together with the naked eye above the eastern horizon from after moonrise until before sunrise the next day."

Expert Commentary

The Pleiades star cluster is situated approximately 400 light-years from Earth, offering a distant yet visible spectacle. For the first observation event, sunrise on September 4, 2026, will occur at 5:16 AM Doha local time, marking the end of the viewing period. Following the second conjunction, sunrise on October 1, 2026, is scheduled for 5:26 AM Doha local time.