M36

M36 is a bright open cluster in Auriga, about 4,100 light-years from Earth. It contains roughly 60 stars spread across about 14 light-years, with an age of approximately 25 million years. M36 is the youngest and most compact of the three Auriga Messier clusters (M36, M37, M38). Its brightest members are hot blue B-type stars.

Located in the heart of the constellation Auriga, roughly midway between Theta Aurigae and Iota Aurigae. Part of a beautiful chain with M37 to the southeast and M38 to the northwest — all three fit within a 5-degree sweep. Binoculars show a small, bright patch. A telescope at 60-80x reveals about 30 stars in an attractive compact arrangement. Best observed from November through March.

Discovered by Giovanni Battista Hodierna before 1654. Charles Messier cataloged it on September 2, 1764. It is sometimes called a younger version of the Pleiades, as the two clusters have a similar number of stars and structure.