M93 — Critter Cluster
Open Cluster in Puppis
About
A rich open cluster in Puppis, about 3,380 light-years away and roughly 390 million years old, also called the Critter Cluster. Some observers see a starfish shape, and 54 variable stars have been identified in it.
Imaging tips
- About 22′ across, so 1,100–1,840 mm on APS-C (1,690–2,810 mm full frame) spans a third to half of the frame.
- Broadband is enough: one team found no H-alpha signal and no background gas in the frame, and said a couple of hours can do it.
- It sits low for northern observers and stays below 16° from 50°N, so one imager collected it in short sessions over several nights.
- Best in January.
Facts
- Size
- 22′
- Magnitude
- 6.2
- Coordinates
- RA 7h 44.5m, Dec −23° 51′
- Framing, APS-C
- 1100–1840 mm
- Framing, full frame
- 1690–2810 mm
- Best months
- Jan
- Peak altitude
- 16° from 50°N, 31° from 35°N