How to Spot Matariki in the Night Sky
To find Matariki, head outside before sunrise and face the north-eastern horizon. If you're near hills or tall buildings, find higher ground for the best view. Start by identifying some well-known stars and constellations:
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Look for Tautoru – these are the three bright stars that make up Orion’s Belt (also known as The Pot). They’re among the easiest stars to spot in the early morning sky.
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Follow the line of Tautoru to your left, tracing along the horizon.
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Next, find a triangle of stars – this is Te Kōkota or Mata Kaheru, known internationally as the Hyades cluster, which forms the face of Taurus the Bull.
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Keep moving your gaze to the left.
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Look for a tight cluster of tiny stars – this is Matariki, also known as the Pleiades. These are the stars that mark the Māori New Year.
Reference:https://www.learnz.org.nz/matariki-english/where-is-matariki
Photo Credit: Ian Preece Photography. To see details of Ian’s workshops and portfolio please click here
