Astronomy:NGC 2301

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Short description: Open cluster in the constellation Monoceros
NGC 2301
NGC 2301 PanS.jpg
Observation data (J2000 epoch)
ConstellationMonoceros
Right ascension 06h 51m 45s[1]
Declination+00° 27′ 36″[1]
Distance2,840 ly (872 pc[2])
Apparent magnitude (V)6.0 [1]
Apparent dimensions (V)12'
Physical characteristics
Estimated age165 million years old
Other designationsCr 119
See also: Open cluster, List of open clusters

NGC 2301 is an open cluster in the constellation Monoceros. It was discovered by William Herschel in 1786. It is visible through 7x50 binoculars and it is considered the best open cluster for small telescopes in the constellation.[3] It is located 5° WNW of delta Monocerotis and 2° SSE of 18 Monocerotis. The brightest star of the cluster is an orange G8 subgiant star of 8.0 magnitude, but it is possible that it is a foreground star. The cluster contains also blue giants. The brightest main sequence star is a B9 star with magnitude 9.1.[4]

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External links