Messier 36

Messier 36
Open cluster M36 seen in infrared light., courtesy of:
Observation data (J2000.0 epoch)
Constellation Auriga
Right ascension 05h 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 7 ly
Estimated age 25 Ma
Other designations NGC 1960

Messier 36 (also known as 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 1300 pc. (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

Map

Coordinates: 05h 36m 12s, 34° 08′ 04″

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