Look Up Before Sunrise on June 28: Mars Meets the Seven Sisters

Early risers are in for a beautiful celestial treat this Sunday morning.

On June 28, the planet Mars will make a close pass by the Pleiades star cluster, also known as the Seven Sisters. This dazzling cluster of young stars has captivated skywatchers for thousands of years, and this weekend you’ll be able to see it paired with the Red Planet in the predawn sky.

The two objects will appear close enough to fit comfortably within the same field of view through a pair of binoculars, making this one of the easiest and most rewarding skywatching events of the summer. Even with the naked eye, you’ll notice Mars shining as a bright reddish point of light near the delicate cluster of stars.

When and Where to Look

• Date: Sunday, June 28, 2026
• Time: About 60–90 minutes before sunrise
• Direction: Low in the eastern sky
• Best Viewing: Binoculars will provide the most impressive view, but the pairing is visible without a telescope under clear skies.

This is a particularly special event because Mars won’t pass this close to the Pleiades again until 2034.

If skies are clear where you live, set your alarm a little early and take a few moments to enjoy this rare meeting of one of our neighboring planets and one of the most famous star clusters in the night sky. Don’t forget your binoculars—and if you capture a photo, we’d love to see it!