Cr173
Open Cluster in Puppis
About
An extensive open cluster straddling the Puppis and Vela boundary, about 1,350 light-years away. One source puts its width at over 6°, roughly 145 light-years across, and shows the bright star Gamma² Velorum southeast of its centre in the same image.
Imaging tips
- At a size of over 6° in one source, it is far larger than a typical frame: use a very wide lens or a mosaic.
- Star clusters call for broadband imaging.
- Best in February, but it never rises from 50°N and peaks near 9° altitude from 35°N, so it needs a southern site.
Facts
- Size
- 45′
- Magnitude
- 5.2
- Coordinates
- RA 8h 2.8m, Dec −46° 23′
- Framing, APS-C
- 540–900 mm
- Framing, full frame
- 820–1380 mm
- Best months
- Jan, Feb
- Peak altitude
- never rises from 50°N, 9° from 35°N