M38 · open cluster

Messier 38

Messier 38 or M38, also known as NGC 1912 or Starfish Cluster, is an open cluster of stars in the constellation of Auriga.

RA05h 28m 42sDec+35° 51' 17"

Image: gjdonatiello. CC0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Identity & coordinates

Identification

Primary designation: M38
All designations: M38 · NGC 1912
Object type: Open Cluster
Constellation: Auriga
Best viewing: Winter

Coordinates & physical

Right ascension (J2000): 05h 28m 42s
Declination (J2000): +35° 51' 17"
Apparent magnitude (V): —
Distance: —

III

Visibility tonight

The science

Messier 38 or M38, also known as NGC 1912 or Starfish Cluster, is an open cluster of stars in the constellation of Auriga. It was discovered by Giovanni Batista Hodierna before 1654 and independently found by Guillaume Le Gentil in 1749. The open clusters M36 and M37, also discovered by Hodierna, are often grouped together with M38. Distance is about 1.066 kpc (3,480 ly) away from Earth. The open cluster NGC 1907 lies nearby on the sky, but the two are most likely just experiencing a fly-by, having originated in different parts of the galaxy.

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