· · · ·

Spiral Cluster

M34, Collinder 31, Melotte 17, NGC 1039

Proper NameSpiral Cluster
Messier NumberM34
NGC/IC NumberNGC 1039
Other DesignationsCollinder 31, Melotte 17
ConstellationPerseus
Right Ascension2h 42m 5s
Declination+42° 45' 42"
Distancec.1,700 light years
c.500 parsecs
MagnitudeApparent: +5.2
Absolute: -3.3
DiameterApparent: 35'
Actual: 17 light years
Number of Starsc. 2,000
Optimum VisibilityNovember
NotesThe Spiral Cluster, M34, is a rich open cluster of the northern sky, on the border between the constellations Perseus and Andromeda. At magnitude +5.19, it falls the edge of naked-eye visibility, and lies somewhat to the south of the much more prominent Double Cluster of northern Perseus.

Imagery provided by Aladin sky atlas

The thirty-fourth of Messier's objects lies in the constellation of Perseus, where it borders Andromeda. Sometimes known as the Spiral Cluster, this is an open star cluster, containing an estimated two thousand stars in total (about four hundred of which approach a similar mass to the Sun). The cluster lies about 1,700 light years away from Earth.

Indexes

Related Entries