Menu

C58

NGC 2360

Open Cluster Excellent (70/100)
C58 OpenCluster Canis Major Visible Level 1 Naked eye / Binoculars - Wide field preferred
Credit: Sloan Digital Sky Survey. License: CC BY 4.0. (Wikimedia Commons)
Star Map Add to List Add to Plan
Back to Catalog

Properties

Magnitude 7.2
Angular Size 9.0′
Distance 3700 ly
Open Cluster [Distance: 3700 ly]

Position & Identifiers

RA 07h 02m 57.1s
Dec -15° 37' 37.2"
Constellation Canis Major
Catalog C58

Visibility

Set a location in User Settings to see visibility data.

Survey Image

Loading survey image…

About C58

Description

NGC 2360 is an open cluster in Canis Major, about 3,700 light-years away. It is a rich, well-concentrated cluster containing about 80 stars within 13 arcminutes, with an age of roughly 2.2 billion years.

Observing Tips

A fine cluster in a 4-inch telescope at medium power. The background Milky Way star field adds to the view. Many of the cluster stars are similar in brightness, giving it an even, grainy appearance. Best in winter evenings.

History

Discovered by Caroline Herschel on February 26, 1783. It is one of the notable discoveries by William Herschel's sister, a pioneering astronomer in her own right.

Fun Facts

Caroline Herschel discovered this cluster using a small refractor while conducting her own independent sky surveys. She discovered 8 comets and several nebulae and clusters during her career.

Community Photos (1)

Credit: Sloan Digital Sky Survey. License: CC BY 4.0. (Wikimedia Commons)

Credit: Sloan Digital Sky Survey. License: CC BY 4.0. (Wikimedia Commons)

Skybred Mar 2, 2026