The Intriguing Quotes and Fascinating History of the Pleiades

That’s funny indeed that you should ask. My wife and I are currently engrossed in the episodes of “Call the Midwife” and in the Season 2 finale, there was a delightful discussion about the Pleiades. This being the era of the internet, I readily found the transcript from which I can share the relevant portions.

The Pleiades in Call the Midwife

“The Plough was my very first constellation.” - A character from the show is reminded of the Pleiades, reliving a cosmic memory from childhood. “I think mine was The Plaiedes.” - The confusion between “Plough” and “Pleiades” is a common one, highlighting the similarity in these names. “The Seven Sisters I liked the idea of a cluster of girls all clinging together in the middle of the heavens.” - The character’s poetic interpretation of the Pleiades adds a romantic and serene dimension to this celestial formation.

Discovering the Pleiades

“Can you see the handle of The Plough Yes. Keep looking and tell me what you see.” - This instruction from the episode leads to an exciting astronomical discovery. Here, viewers are guided to find not just one star, but a pair of almost overlapping stars—Alcor and Mizar. These stars are part of a broader asterism that includes the handle of The Plough, also known as the Big Dipper or Ursa Major.

Ancient Significance

“Its not one star its two almost overlapping!” - Alcor and Mizar are notable for their close proximity to the naked eye. The duplication of stars has significant historical meaning. In the ancient Roman army, passing an eyesight test involving these stars was a crucial requirement. This test was so stringent, it was seen as a rite of passage for young recruits, including those who had to perform national service.

Modern Astronomical Context

“I thought about that when I went to do my National Service. It certainly beat reading the alphabet backwards off a card but there was also something grimly consoling knowing that 2000 years ago some other poor conscripts stood there vaguely hoping they might fail.” - This reflection on the Pleiades test from a national service experience provides a unique perspective on how ancient scientific knowledge can be tied to modern life. It underscores the enduring cultural and historical significance of celestial observations, connecting the personal experience of serving in the military to historical context.

Concluding Thoughts

The Pleiades, often captured in literature and conversation, represent much more than just a celestial formation. They symbolize cultural traditions, historical significances, and ordinary human experiences. Through the lens of a popular TV series, these ancient stars come alive, bridging the gap between ancient and contemporary times.

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Pleiades Call the Midwife Constellations

With the Pleiades continuing to fascinate and evoke wonder across cultures and generations, it’s clear that these stars are far more than just points of light in the night sky. They are a testament to human ingenuity, cultural storytelling, and the enduring fascination with the cosmos.