The brightest star in the Pleiades star cluster, or in Greek mythology, one of the Pleiades sisters and mother of Hermes.
From Greek 'Maia,' one of the seven daughters of Titan Atlas in Greek mythology. The name likely derives from the verb 'maiesthai' meaning 'to increase or grow,' fitting for a mother goddess.
The Pleiades star cluster has been observed since ancient times—nearly every culture had stories about these seven sisters—and what makes Maia special is that despite being listed as one of the 'Seven Sisters,' she's actually the brightest, an ironic contradiction that echoes the mythological theme of hidden power.
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