Star Clusters – Page 9 – The Garden Astronomer

Messier 39 (NGC 7092): A Larger Cluster of Straggling Stars in Cygnus

This collection of around 30 stars is only 800-1000 light years away, closer to us than many star clusters. Due to its close proximity, it’s larger and spread across a region larger than the moon.

NGC 1027: Cassiopeia’s Open Cluster Near the Heart Nebula

Cassiopeia, a notable constellation in the Milky Way, contains the open star cluster NGC 1027, located approximately 3,400 light-years away. Although it may not attract as much attention as other celestial objects, it is accessible to backyard astronomers during autumn and winter evenings. NGC 1027 features a visual magnitude of +6.8. Also known as Cr 30 and IC 1824.

NGC 7510: An Arrow-like Open Cluster in Cepheus

NGC 7510 is an open star cluster in the constellation of Cepheus. It’s best viewed during the autumn. Some say it looks like an arrow, while some call it the Lobster Claw cluster. I tend to see it as a firework sailing across the sky.

NGC 2281: A Diamond in Auriga

NGC 2281 is an open star cluster in the constellation of Auriga. It’s best viewed during the late winter months into early spring. You see the central stars make a diamond shape. Also, one will notice a mix of red and blue stars, which makes this relatively unknown cluster of 30-40 stars a worthy find.ContinueContinue reading “NGC 2281: A Diamond in Auriga”

Messier 35 (NGC 2168): A Young Cluster the Size of the Moon in Gemini

Messier 35, also known by the name the Show-buckle Cluster, is an open cluster in the constellation of Gemini. It’s best viewed in the winter months. With at least a pair of binoculars, most stargazers, including those living with urban light pollution, will be able to enjoy M35. The cluster is spread out. It takesContinueContinue reading “Messier 35 (NGC 2168): A Young Cluster the Size of the Moon in Gemini”

Messier 38 (NGC 1912): A Starfish Floating in an Ocean of Sky

Messier 38 is one of several beautiful and bright star clusters in the constellation Auriga. It’s also know as the Starfish Cluster as lines of brighter stars stretch out from the center.

Messier 45: Seven Diamonds in a Winter Mist

Messier 45 is an open star cluster in the constellation Taurus. It’s best viewed in winter and early spring. Also known as the Pleiades, or Seven Sisters, M45 is one of the nearest clusters to Earth and one of the brightest and most recognizable objects in the night sky, even from brighter suburban skies.

IC 1396: The Elephant Trunk Nebula in Cepheus

IC 1396 is an open star cluster in the constellation Cepheus, which is part of large emission nebula in the region. It’s best viewed during the autumn. The region makes for stunning astrophotography as demonstrated by this photo posted on NASA’s site. Struve 2816 (a triple star system) and Struve 2819 (a double star systemContinueContinue reading “IC 1396: The Elephant Trunk Nebula in Cepheus”