The first quarter moon offers a spectacular sight for those who enjoy stargazing. You can explore the lunar surface in exquisite detail with binoculars or a telescope. Along the terminator— the dividing line between the illuminated and shadowed portions of the moon — the sun's rays cast long, dramatic shadows across craters and mountains, revealing a breathtaking, three-dimensional landscape. Observing the lunar terminator is always enjoyable; indeed, many amateur astronomers describe it as being quite addictive.
On Thursday evening, the moon's journey through the night sky brings it tantalisingly close to Matariki, the prominent cluster of stars that holds deep cultural significance in Aotearoa New Zealand. Known as the Pleiades in Western astronomy, Matariki is central to the Māori calendar and the celebration of the Matariki New Year, which marks a time for reflection, renewal, and connection with the natural world.
Each of the nine stars has a unique Māori name and represents a different aspect of the environment and human connection. Matariki, the star that gives the cluster its name, is associated with health and well-being. Pōhutukawa is linked to those who have passed on, offering a connection to ancestors. Tupuārangi represents food from the sky, such as birds, while Tupuānuku relates to food grown in the ground. Waitā symbolises the oceans and seafood, and Waitī is associated with bounty from freshwater sources. Waipuna-ā-rangi reflects the importance of rain, while Ururangi is connected to the winds. Finally, Hiwa-i-te-Rangi is a star of aspiration and dreams, embodying hope for the future.
The moon's proximity to Matariki on Thursday night provides an excellent opportunity to explore this fascinating cluster and take some time to appreciate its significance.
