Two open clusters in the constellation Auriga, Messier Objects M36 & M37

Three open clusters in the constellation Auriga, Messier Objects M36 and M37

The constellation Auriga.

Sky & Telescope Pocket Atlas page 12

Guide to Observing DSO’s Page 26/27

The constellation Auriga is best seen from October through until April and is the home to many clusters but the main 3 are the better known ones, M36, 37 & 38.  There are also some lesser know clusters NGC1664, 1778, 1857, 1893, 1907 & 2281.

The 3 brightest stars in Auriga are Capella, Menkalinan and El Nath.  The constellations rises above the N/East horizon by 7pm in November so it’s a nice easy target for early evening observations and photography, these clusters range in magnitude between 6&7 and are visible in binoculars and small telescopes they are best viewed using a wide field of view eyepiece, as this will give the best views of these open clusters.

M36 (Mag 6.5)

The cluster is a loose disk of stars, slightly brighter and denser at the middle of the grouping.  The cluster is made up of over 60 young stars and it’s approximately 15 light years in diameter and are mostly type “B” stars, very bright blue in colour.  M36 is located roughly 4,000 light years distant from us.

M37 (Mag 6.0)

This cluster is made up of several hundred stars with the brightest easily picked up with smaller scopes.  The cluster is 25 light years diameter and 4.500 light years distant.

Check them out in November/December

Ray Gilchrist