M37 · open cluster

Messier 37

Messier 37 is the brightest and richest open cluster in the constellation Auriga.

RA05h 52m 18sDec+32° 33' 10"

Image: Chuck Ayoub. CC0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Identity & coordinates

Identification

Primary designation: M37
All designations: M37 · NGC 2099
Object type: Open Cluster
Constellation: Auriga
Best viewing: Winter

Coordinates & physical

Right ascension (J2000): 05h 52m 18s
Declination (J2000): +32° 33' 10"
Apparent magnitude (V): —
Distance: —

III

Visibility tonight

The science

Messier 37 is the brightest and richest open cluster in the constellation Auriga. It was discovered by the Italian astronomer Giovanni Battista Hodierna before 1654. M37 was missed by French astronomer Guillaume Le Gentil when he rediscovered M36 and M38 in 1749. French astronomer Charles Messier independently rediscovered M37 in September 1764 but all three of these clusters were recorded by Hodierna. It is classified as Trumpler type I,1,r or I,2,r.

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