NGC 2516

NGC 2516 The Diamond Cluster
Observation data (J2000.0 epoch)
Right ascension	7h 58m 20s
Declination	−60° 52′
Distance	1.3 kly
Apparent magnitude (V)	3.8
Apparent dimensions (V)	30.0″
Physical characteristics
Mass	105 to 106 M☉
Other designations	NGC 2516, C96
See also: Open cluster, List of open clusters

NGC 2516 is an open cluster in the southern sky in the constellation Carina near Volans discovered by Abbe Lacaille in 1751-1752. From its catalog numbers it is called NGC 2516 or C 96; its popular name is The Diamond Cluster.

Description

Called The Diamond Cluster because of its stellar clarity, the open cluster is number 2516 in the New General Catalog (NGC 2516) and number 96 in the Caldwell Catalog (C 96). The cluster itself is easily visible with the naked eye from dark skies but binoculars will yield a much better view. The Diamond Cluster contains two beautiful 5th magnitude red giants and three double stars. A small telescope would be required to split the double stars.

NGC 2516 and the recently discovered nearby star cluster Mamajek 2 in Ophiuchus have similar age and metallicity. Recently, kinematic evidence was presented by E. Jilinksi and coauthors that suggests that these two stellar groups may have formed in the same star-forming complex some 135 million years ago.^[1]

References

1. ^ Jilinski, E., Ortega, V.G., de la Reza, R., Drake, N.A., and Bazzanella, B. (2009). "Dynamical Evolution and Spectral Characteristics of the Stellar Group Mamajek 2". Astrophysical Journal 691 (1): 212. Bibcode 2009ApJ...691..212J. doi:10.1088/0004-637X/691/1/212. 

External links

• NGC 2516 on WikiSky: DSS2, SDSS, GALEX, IRAS, Hydrogen α, X-Ray, Astrophoto, Sky Map, Articles and images

Coordinates: 07^h 58^m 20^s, +60° 52′ 00″