C96
Open Cluster in Carina
About
An open cluster in Carina, about 1,300 light-years away, nicknamed the Southern Beehive and the Sprinter. Two 5th-magnitude red giants are among its members, and at magnitude 3.8 it can be seen without a telescope.
Imaging tips
- At 1000–1660 mm on APS-C (1530–2550 mm full frame) the cluster spans a third to half of the frame.
- Two 5th-magnitude red giants are members, so colour data shows them against the other stars.
- A bare 300 mm f/2.8 lens and DSLR recorded it in two 4-minute frames, in a 4.3° × 2.8° field that also shows its surroundings.
- Never rises from 50°N or 35°N (peaks near −21° and −6°). From the south it is best in January and February.
Facts
- Size
- 24.3′
- Magnitude
- 3.8
- Coordinates
- RA 7h 58.1m, Dec −60° 48′
- Framing, APS-C
- 1000–1660 mm
- Framing, full frame
- 1530–2550 mm
- Best months
- Jan, Feb
- Peak altitude
- never rises from 50°N, never rises from 35°N