M36
NGC 1960
Properties
Position & Identifiers
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M36 · 7.2′ diameter · N up, E left
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About M36
Description
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.
Observing Tips
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.
History
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.
Fun Facts
If M36 were at the same distance as the Pleiades (444 light-years instead of 4,100), it would appear about 3 times larger than the Pleiades and be one of the most spectacular objects in the sky. M36 is sometimes compared to the Pleiades due to its similar stellar composition and structure, just seen from a greater distance.