Double Cluster in Perseus visible for northern sky observers in October
The Double Cluster in Perseus is visible to observers in October using binoculars or the naked eye under dark skies.
FTMQ Space, written by our newsroom0 views
EarthSky reported that the Double Cluster in Perseus is easy to observe during October evenings. The uncrewed target consists of two open star clusters located near each other in the northern portion of the Perseus constellation, close to Cassiopeia. [1]
The pair is formally designated as NGC 869 and NGC 884, and amateur astronomers also know them as h Persei and chi Persei. Both clusters lie at a distance of approximately 7,500 light-years from Earth within the Perseus Arm of the Milky Way galaxy. [1][2]
Under dark skies, the two clusters are visible to the naked eye as a fuzzy patch. NGC 869 has an apparent magnitude of 3.7, while NGC 884 has an apparent magnitude of 3.8. The compact groups span about 30 arcminutes across, and each cluster contains supergiant suns along with dozens of bright stars visible through binoculars or telescopes. [1][5]
Observers can locate the Double Cluster by finding the M-shape or W-shape of Cassiopeia and scanning between Cassiopeia and Perseus with binoculars to spot the two glittering star groups. [1]
In short
- The Double Cluster consists of open star clusters NGC 869 and NGC 884 in the constellation Perseus.
- Both clusters are located about 7,500 light-years from Earth in the Perseus Arm of the Milky Way.
- The clusters are visible to the naked eye under dark skies with apparent magnitudes of 3.7 and 3.8.
- Skywatchers can locate the pair in October by scanning between Cassiopeia and Perseus using binoculars.
Sources
Every paragraph above points to the numbered items it rests on. Read the originals here.
- [1]Check out the Double Cluster in Perseus on October eveningsEarthSky, 18h ago (the report this story comes from)
Background
- [2]Double Cluster on Wikipedia
- [3]Last Evenings on Earth on Wikipedia
- [4]Star-forming regions of Cassiopeia on Wikipedia
- [5]Double Cluster on Grokipedia
Our newsroom writes these reports with the help of software, from the 5 sources listed and nothing else, and checks them against those sources. Facts can still be wrong or move on; the originals are the record. Spotted a mistake? Write to daniel@monsterkong.com.
Related from FTMQ Space
Earlier reports of ours on the same people and subjects.
More in Night Sky
Get the day in one email
Reports like this one, the top news of the last 24 hours, every morning. Free, one email a day; readers can comment under every report.
By signing up you agree to our terms and privacy policy. Unsubscribe any time.
Comments
Loading
Join the conversation
Comments are open to readers of our daily email: the top news of the last 24 hours, every morning, free. Sign up and the comment box opens.
Already on the list? Enter the same address and we will send a sign-in link.
By signing up you agree to our terms and privacy policy. Unsubscribe any time.