NGC 2362 · open cluster

Tau CMa Cluster

NGC 2362, also known as Caldwell 64, is an open cluster of stars in the southern constellation of Canis Major.

RA07h 18m 41sDec−24° 57' 15"

Image: NASA/JPL-Caltech/Harvard-Smithsonian CfA. Source: JPL via images.nasa.gov.

Identity & coordinates

Identification

Primary designation: NGC 2362
All designations: NGC 2362 · Tau CMa Cluster
Object type: Open Cluster
Constellation: Canis Major
Best viewing: Winter

Coordinates & physical

Right ascension (J2000): 07h 18m 41s
Declination (J2000): −24° 57' 15"
Apparent magnitude (V): —
Distance: —

III

Visibility tonight

The science

NGC 2362, also known as Caldwell 64, is an open cluster of stars in the southern constellation of Canis Major. It was discovered by the Italian court astronomer Giovanni Batista Hodierna, who published his finding in 1654. William Herschel called it a "beautiful cluster", while William Henry Smyth said it "has a beautiful appearance, the bright white star being surrounded by a rich gathering of minute companions, in a slightly elongated form, and nearly vertical position". In the past it has also been listed as a nebula, but in 1930 Robert J. Trumpler found no evidence of nebulosity. The brightest member star system is Tau Canis Majoris, and therefore it is sometimes called the Tau Canis Majoris Cluster.

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