C16 · open cluster

NGC 7243

NGC 7243 is an open cluster of stars in the northern constellation of Lacerta.

RA22h 15m 08sDec+49° 53' 51"

Image: Egres73. CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Identity & coordinates

Identification

Primary designation: C16
All designations: C16 · NGC 7243
Object type: Open Cluster
Constellation: Lacerta
Best viewing: Autumn

Coordinates & physical

Right ascension (J2000): 22h 15m 08s
Declination (J2000): +49° 53' 51"
Apparent magnitude (V): —
Distance: —

III

Visibility tonight

The science

NGC 7243 is an open cluster of stars in the northern constellation of Lacerta. Alternatively, it has the designation Caldwell 16 from the Caldwell catalogue. This cluster was discovered on September 26, 1788 by German-English astronomer William Herschel. It shines at magnitude +6.4, and is located near the naked-eye stars Alpha Lacertae, 4 Lacertae, an A-class double star, and planetary nebula IC 5217. NGC 7243 lies at a distance of approximately 2,864 light-years (878.0 pc).

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