| Double Cluster | |
|---|---|
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| Observation data (J2000.0 epoch) | |
| Constellation | Perseus |
| Right ascension | 2h 20m |
| Declination | 57° 08′ |
| Distance | 7 kly (2300 Pc) |
| Apparent magnitude (V) | 4.3 |
| Apparent dimensions (V) | 60′ |
| Other designations | h+χ Persei, Caldwell 14 |
| See also: Open cluster, List of open clusters | |
The Double Cluster is the common name for the naked-eye open clusters NGC 884 and NGC 869, which are close together in the constellation Perseus. NGC 884 and NGC 869 are at distances of 7600 and 6800 light-years away, respectively, so they are close to one another in space as well.
They are relatively young clusters, with NGC 869 5.6 million years and NGC 884 at 3.2 million years according to the 2000 Sky Catalogue. In comparison, the Pleiades have an estimated age ranging from 75 million years to 150 million years.
They are also blueshifted, with NGC 869 approaching Earth at a speed of 22 km/s and NGC 884 approaching at a similar speed of 21 km/s. Their hottest main sequence stars are of spectral type B0.
External links
- SEDS page on the Double Cluster
- AstroPhoto.net page the Double Cluster
- Dark Atmospheres Photography - Perseus Double Cluster
- The Double Cluster - Astronomy Picture of the Day 2009 December 4
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