Monday, March 17, 2008

The constellation of Karthika, the Pleaides, the Seven Sisters !



Known as the constellation of Karthika in Indian Astronomy, the Pleiades was discovered by the Europeans later.

Western Astronomy calls them the Seven Sisters.

It is also referred to as the Maia Nebula.

In Indian Mythology, they are revered as the six mothers of Lord Subramanya, who develped six faces, one for each of them. Some Islamic scholars suggest that Al Thuraiya are the Star of Najm mentioned in the Quran. They are mentioned by Homer and Hesiod. Also they are mentioned three times in the Bible. They are a great sight in winter in the Northern Hemisphere and in summer in the Southern Hemisphere.