Omicron Velorum Cluster
IC 2391
Properties
Position & Identifiers
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About Omicron Velorum Cluster
Description
The Omicron Velorum Cluster (IC 2391) is a bright, nearby open cluster in Vela, about 574 light-years away. At magnitude 2.5, it is easily visible to the naked eye and contains about 30 stars spanning 50 arcminutes, centered on the bright star Omicron Velorum.
Observing Tips
A fine naked-eye and binocular cluster. Too spread out for most telescopes — binoculars at 7-10x give the best view. The cluster is dominated by Omicron Velorum (mag 3.6). Best from southern latitudes in late winter and spring.
History
Known since antiquity as a naked-eye grouping. First cataloged by Nicolas Louis de Lacaille in 1751. It was one of the clusters used to determine the age of nearby stellar associations.
Fun Facts
At only 50 million years old, IC 2391 is a young cluster whose stars are still settling down. Several of its stars show strong X-ray emission characteristic of magnetically active young stars.
Community Photos (1)
Credit: YayLol123. License: CC BY-SA 4.0. (Wikimedia Commons)
Skybred Mar 2, 2026