Messier 36, nicknamed the Pinwheel Cluster, is an open cluster in the constellation of Auriga. It is best viewed in winter through early spring. Approximately 60 stars make up the cluster, with many of the brightest stars making straggling lines or chains streaming from the center.
Category Archives: Star Clusters
Messier 37 (NGC 2099): A Diamond Starburst in Auriga
M37 is one of the most beautiful clusters in the northern winter sky. It resides in the constellation Auriga. it fills a wide-field eyepiece wonderfully.
NGC 559 (Caldwell 8): A Small Flying V Cluster in Cassiopeia
NGC 559, also known as Caldwall 8, is a small, dim cluster in the constellation Cassiopeia. The cluster features 6-8 brighter stars, but at a total
NGC 7789: Caroline’s Rose
NGC 7789 is an open star cluster in the constellation of Cassiopeia. It’s also known as Caroline’s Rose or the White Rose Cluster. It’s best viewed on autumn nights. With a rather bright magnitude of 6.7, it’s hard to believe Charles Messier didn’t catalog this large and dense cluster. Thankfully, in 1783, Caroline Herschel recorded this splendid object.
NGC 869 and 884: The Famous Sparkling Double Cluster
NGC 869 along with NGC 884 create a breathtaking cluster of stars floating in the constellation of Perseus. Like diamonds sparkling in a dark room, the Double Cluster lights up the autumn sky as it spreads itself as wide as new full moons.
NGC 7160: An Alligator Swims through Cepheus
NGC 7160 is a small, yet bright open cluster in the constellation Cepheus. With a magnitude of 6, backyard astronomers can view it with binoculars, though a telescope will be better.
NGC 7281: Open Star Cluster with a Belt in Cepheus
NGC 7281, an open cluster in Cepheus, shines on autumn nights. Look for its 20+ stars, including three bright ones forming a helpful line for observers.
NGC 7039: A Cluster in Cygnus’ Sea of Stars
NGC 7039 is an open cluster with close to 100 stars in Cygnus, making it a good target for backyard astronomers in the northern hemisphere in summer.
The Garden Astronomer 