C13 · open cluster

Owl Cluster

NGC 457 is an open star cluster in the northern constellation of Cassiopeia.

RA01h 19m 32sDec+58° 17' 26"

Image: Chuck Ayoub. CC0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Identity & coordinates

Identification

Primary designation: C13
All designations: C13 · NGC 457 · Owl Cluster
Object type: Open Cluster
Constellation: Cassiopeia
Best viewing: Autumn · Winter

Coordinates & physical

Right ascension (J2000): 01h 19m 32s
Declination (J2000): +58° 17' 26"
Apparent magnitude (V): —
Distance: —

III

Visibility tonight

The science

NGC 457 is an open star cluster in the northern constellation of Cassiopeia. Alternatively, it is designated Caldwell 13, and known as the Dragonfly Cluster, E.T. Cluster, Owl Cluster, Kachina Doll Cluster or Phi Cassiopeiae Cluster. It was discovered by German-British astronomer William Herschel on August 18, 1780, with a 6.2 inch reflector telescope, and catalogued as VII 42. This is an easy target for amateur astronomers, and can be seen even with small telescopes in light-polluted skies.

Summary adapted from Wikipedia · CC-BY-SA-4.0