Messier 93

Messier 93
Observation data (J2000.0 epoch)
Right ascension 07h 44.6m
Declination −23° 52′
Distance 3.6 kly (1.1 kpc)
Apparent magnitude (V) 6.0
Apparent dimensions (V) 22.0′
Physical characteristics
Radius 10
Estimated age 100 million years
Other designations NGC 2447

Messier 93 (also known as M93 or NGC 2447) is an open cluster in the constellation Puppis. It was discovered by Charles Messier in 1781.

M93 is at a distance of about 3,600 light years from Earth and has a spatial radius of some 10 to 12 light years. Its age is estimated at some 100 million years.

Walter Scott Houston described its appearance as follows:[1]

Some observers mention the cluster as having the shape of a starfish. With a fair-sized telescope, this is its appearance on a dull night, but [a four-inch refractor] shows it as a typical star-studded galactic cluster.

See also

References

  1. Houston, Walter Scott (2005). Deep-Sky Wonders. Sky Publishing Corporation. ISBN 1-931559-23-6.

External links

Coordinates: 07h 44.6m 00s, −23° 52′ 00″

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