M36 · open cluster

Messier 36

Messier 36 or M36, also known as NGC 1960 or the Pinwheel Cluster, is an open cluster of stars in the somewhat northern Auriga constellation.

RA05h 36m 17sDec+34° 08' 26"

Image: Chuck Ayoub. CC0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Identity & coordinates

Identification

Primary designation: M36
All designations: M36 · NGC 1960
Object type: Open Cluster
Constellation: Auriga
Best viewing: Winter

Coordinates & physical

Right ascension (J2000): 05h 36m 17s
Declination (J2000): +34° 08' 26"
Apparent magnitude (V): —
Distance: —

III

Visibility tonight

The science

Messier 36 or M36, also known as NGC 1960 or the Pinwheel Cluster, is an open cluster of stars in the somewhat northern Auriga constellation. It was discovered by Giovanni Batista Hodierna before 1654, who described it as a nebulous patch. The cluster was independently re-discovered by Guillaume Le Gentil in 1749, then Charles Messier observed it in 1764 and added it to his catalogue. It is about 1,330 pc away from Earth. The cluster is very similar to the Pleiades cluster (M45), and if as far away it would be of similar apparent magnitude.

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