“Subaru,” comprised of hot massive new-born stars shining within interstellar medium which is a lingering effect from star formation, draws the eye even more so in the slightly lonesome winter night sky where the Milky Way is less conspicuous. Jupiter shines dazzlingly bright above the horns of Taurus. The Subaru Telescope continues observations as these stars, which rise high in the sky at 20 degrees north latitude, and the thin Moon, which has sunk into the west, watch over it.

Guided by the Stars of Subaru

In May 2014, the double-hulled voyaging canoe Hokule`a and Hikianalia which set off from Hilo Bay navigated through the islands of the Pacific Ocean as the first part of their trip around the world.

Hokule`a uses traditional propulsion methods, sailing by the wind and ocean currents, relying only on natural signs such as a row of stars, a bird, drifting plants, etc. Because devices such as GPS are included on the support ship Hikianalia, we can know the current location of these two ships precisely.

Since antiquity the Pleiades, known as Muduraboshi, Subaru, or Murikabushi in different regions of Japan, have been used throughout the world to indicate the time, directions, and seasons. For the Island of Hawai`i, it lines up with summer’s Arcturus (Hawaiian name Hokule`a) and passes almost right through the zenith, making it a sign to mark the location of this island.

In addition to Subaru (the Pleiades star cluster) in the constellation Taurus, there is also the Hyades star cluster; this star cluster located relatively close to Earth has become a target for extra-solar planet research. The stars which have guided humanity’s life and exploration since long ago are guiding our exploration of the Universe even today.

Text by: Saeko Hayashi (NAOJ)
Translation by: Ramsey Lundock (NAOJ)