NGC 2353: Taking a Trip to Avery’s Island, a Star Cluster in Monoceros

Positioned between the winter constellations Orion and Canis Major, the faint constellation Monoceros features a nice collection of star clusters and deep sky objects, including the famous Christmas Tree cluster and Avery’s Island.

Stephen O’Meara, a Contributing Editor for Astronomy magazine, gave the name “Avery’s Treasure” to NGC 2353 star cluster. The name honors Captain Avery, who was born in Devonshire, England. In 1695, Avery seized a ship belonging to the Great Mogul of India and looted its treasure. He then retired to an island, where he became a wealthy man.¹

As open clusters go, NGC 2353 is sizable at 20 arcminutes, almost the size of the half-moon in the sky. At a magnitude of 7.1, the star cluster is viewable with a small telescope. A larger telescope, and dark skies, will be needed to bring out the numerous dimmer magnitude points of light.

My Observations

As I sketch Avery’s Island this winter night, I’m only able to make out the brighter stars, including a bright magnitude 6 star. A full moon washes out the sky, obscuring the dimmer stars that make up the island! I look forward to another day when I can sail back to the island and check out its full collection of stars.

Key Stats

Sources and Notes

Banner photo, sketch, and imaging by Wayne McGraw

¹ Bakich, M. E. (2023, May 18). Avery’s Island (NGC 2353), open cluster NGC 2343, and the seagull nebula (IC 2177). Astronomy Magazine. https://www.astronomy.com/observing/averys-island-ngc-2353-open-cluster-ngc-2343-and-the-seagull-nebula-ic-2177/