Messier 36

Messier 36
Open cluster M36 seen in infrared light., courtesy of: [1]
Observation data (J2000.0 epoch)
Constellation	Auriga
Right ascension	5h 36m 12s
Declination	+34° 08′ 4″
Distance	4.1 kly (1.3 kpc)
Apparent magnitude (V)	6.3
Apparent dimensions (V)	12′
Physical characteristics
Radius	14 ly
Estimated age	25 Ma
Other designations	NGC 1960
See also: Open cluster, List of open clusters

Open Cluster M36 (also known as Messier Object 36, Messier 36, M36, or NGC 1960) is an open cluster in the Auriga constellation. It was discovered by Giovanni Batista Hodierna before 1654. M36 is at a distance of about 4,100 light years away from Earth and is about 14 light years across. There are at least sixty members in the cluster. The cluster is very similar to the Pleiades cluster (M45), and if it were the same distance from Earth it would be of similar magnitude.

Map

External links

• Messier 36, SEDS Messier pages
• Messier 36 on WikiSky: DSS2, SDSS, GALEX, IRAS, Hydrogen α, X-Ray, Astrophoto, Sky Map, Articles and images

Coordinates: 05^h 36^m 12^s, +34° 08′ 04″