M36 (NGC 1960)

M36. Image credit: NOAO/AURA/NSF

One of three bright open clusters in the southern part of the constellation Auriga, along with M37 and M38. All three were first recorded by Giovanni Hodierna before 1654. All three lie at similar distances of about 4,000 light-years, but M36 is significantly younger and contains no evolved red giant stars.

visual magnitude	6.3
angular size	12'
linear diameter	14 light-years
distance	4,100 light-years (1,250 pc)
position	R.A. 21h 33m 27s , Dec. -00° 49' 24"
other designations	GCl 121, BD-01 4175, C 2130-010, GCRV 13546, HD 205146

Related categories

• NEBULAE AND STAR CLUSTERS
• MESSIER CATALOGUE

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