C16
NGC 7243
Properties
Position & Identifiers
Visibility
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About C16
Description
NGC 7243 is an open cluster in Lacerta, about 2,800 light-years away. It contains around 40 stars spread across 21 arcminutes, with a handful of brighter members at magnitude 8-9 forming distinctive chains and patterns.
Observing Tips
A loose, scattered cluster best seen in binoculars or a wide-field telescope at low power. The brightest stars are easy to resolve. Located in a relatively sparse part of the Milky Way. Best observed in autumn evenings.
History
Discovered by William Herschel in 1788. One of the less famous Herschel discoveries, but a pleasant target for sweeping the autumn Milky Way.
Fun Facts
NGC 7243 is estimated to be about 100 million years old. Its sparse appearance suggests it is gradually dispersing into the general stellar population of the Milky Way.
Community Photos (1)
Credit: Egres73. License: CC BY-SA 3.0. (Wikimedia Commons)
Skybred Mar 2, 2026