Cr106
Open Cluster in Monoceros
About
A sparse open cluster in Monoceros, roughly 5,000 light-years away. Sources give its width as 22–35′, with only about 20 stars scattered across that area. Plaskett's Star, a close pair of O-type supergiants of about 42 and 51 solar masses, lies along one edge.
Imaging tips
- Sources give 22–35′ across, so the whole cluster needs a field of at least half a degree: use a short focal length or a wide lens.
- One imager shot it in RGB only, with 1.5-minute exposures and no narrowband; broadband suits an open cluster.
- Plaskett's Star is the brightest star in that imager's frame, at visual magnitude 6.06, and sits near the lower edge.
- Best placed from December to January; it peaks near 46° altitude from 50°N.
Facts
- Size
- 22.3′
- Magnitude
- 4.6
- Coordinates
- RA 6h 37.1m, Dec +6° 0′
- Framing, APS-C
- 1090–1810 mm
- Framing, full frame
- 1660–2770 mm
- Best months
- Jan, Dec
- Peak altitude
- 46° from 50°N, 61° from 35°N