NGC 2546 · open cluster

NGC 2546

NGC 2546 is a pair of independent but overlapping open clusters located in the southern constellation of Puppis.

RA08h 12m 15sDec−37° 35' 39"

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

Identity & coordinates

Identification

Primary designation: NGC 2546
All designations: NGC 2546
Object type: Open Cluster
Constellation: Puppis
Best viewing: Winter · Spring

Coordinates & physical

Right ascension (J2000): 08h 12m 15s
Declination (J2000): −37° 35' 39"
Apparent magnitude (V): —
Distance: —

III

Visibility tonight

The science

NGC 2546 is a pair of independent but overlapping open clusters located in the southern constellation of Puppis. This grouping was discovered by French astronomer Abbe Lacaille in 1751-1752 from South Africa. NGC 2546 is just visible to the naked eye as a fuzzy patch; the brightest component has an apparent visual magnitude of 6.44. The brighter members are readily resolved with a pair of 10×50 binoculars.

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