Visual Astronomy

MESSIER 34
Messier 34
   
RA:
02h 42m 06s
DEC:
+42° 47' 00''
Type:
Open Cluster
NGC:
1039
Magnitude:
5.20
Surface brightness :
Apparent dimensions :
35'x35'
Distance:
1 400 ly
   
 

Messier 34 (also known as M 34 or NGC 1039) is an open cluster in the constellation Perseus. It was discovered by Giovanni Batista Hodierna before 1654 and included by Charles Messier in his catalog of comet-like objects in 1764.

M34 is at a distance of about 1,400 light-years away from Earth and consists of some 100 stars. It spans about 35' on the sky which translates to a true radius of 7 light years. The cluster is just visible to the naked eye in very dark conditions, well away from city lights. It is well seen in binoculars.

 

 

 

 

VEDRAN VRHOVAC©

2006.-2007.