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C88

NGC 5823

Open Cluster Excellent (70/100)
C88 OpenCluster Circinus Visible Level 1 Naked eye / Binoculars - Wide field preferred
Credit: Legacy Surveys / D.Lang (Perimeter Institute) & Meli thev. License: CC BY 4.0. (Wikimedia Commons)
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Properties

Magnitude 7.9
Angular Size 3.9′
Distance 3400 ly
Open Cluster [Distance: 3400 ly]

Position & Identifiers

RA 15h 04m 25.4s
Dec -55° 36' 14.4"
Constellation Circinus
Catalog C88

Visibility

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About C88

Description

NGC 5823 is an open cluster in Circinus, about 3,400 light-years away. Also known as the Hidden Treasure Cluster, it contains about 80 stars spread across 10 arcminutes with an age of roughly 700 million years.

Observing Tips

A moderately rich cluster requiring a 4-inch telescope to resolve. Located in the southern Milky Way, the rich star field can make the cluster boundaries difficult to define. Medium magnification works best. Best in winter and spring from southern locations.

History

Discovered by James Dunlop in 1826 from Australia. It lies in the obscure constellation Circinus near the galactic plane.

Fun Facts

NGC 5823 is old enough that its more massive stars have evolved away from the main sequence, and several red giants are visible among the cluster members.

Community Photos (1)

Credit: Legacy Surveys / D.Lang (Perimeter Institute) & Meli thev. License: CC BY 4.0. (Wikimedia Commons)

Credit: Legacy Surveys / D.Lang (Perimeter Institute) & Meli thev. License: CC BY 4.0. (Wikimedia Commons)

Skybred Mar 2, 2026