a distance of . These measurements also allow the effective temperature to be estimated at . Maia is a chemically peculiar star, meaning it has an unusual surface abundance of some elements as shown by its spectral lines. It is classified as a helium-weak star, but it also shows an excess of some elements including manganese. Maia was thought to be a variable star by astronomer Otto Struve. He proposed a class of stars known as Maia variables, which included Gamma Ursae Minoris. Examination of the Hipparcos data for Maia and some others in the class found no evidence of variability. On the other hand, White et al. found low amplitude, but unambiguous, variability in Maia's brightness as seen by Kepler/K2, with a period of 10.3 days, which they attribute to the rotation of a starspot. Intense study of large numbers of stars suggest that 6.7% of stars with temperatures between and show rapid small-amplitude pulsations but are not members of other variable star classes. These are potentially Maia variables. Ironically, if the White et al. results are correct, Maia is a variable star, but not a Maia variable star. Maia is surrounded by the Maia Nebula (also known as NGC 1432), a reflection nebula that is one of the brightest patches of nebulosity within the Pleiades star cluster. It is the only member of the New General Catalogue discovered photographically. Mythology Maia was the oldest of seven beautiful sisters known as the Pleiades. She was impregnated by Zeus, thereby conceiving Hermes, the messenger god. As Maia and the Pleiades are visible in the winter night sky along with the constellation Orion, the Greek myths tell of Maia and her sisters being pursued by the giant huntsman and turned into doves to preserve their safety. References External links Jim Kaler's Stars, University of Illinois:Maia (20 Tauri) High-resolution LRGB image based on 4 hrs total exposure: NGC 1432 - Maia Nebula APOD Pictures: 1) Orion, the giant huntsman, in pursuit of the Pleiades 2) Young Moon and Sister Stars 3) Pleiades and Stardust B-type giants Tauri, 020 Pleiades Open Cluster Taurus (constellation) Maia Suspected variables 1149 023408 017573 Durchmusterung objects NGC objects