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NGC 457

Open Cluster Good (59/100)
NGC 457 OpenCluster Cas Visible Level 1 Naked eye / Binoculars - Wide field preferred
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Properties

Magnitude 6.4
Angular Size 7.8′
Cl, B, L, pRi, st 7, 8, 10

Position & Identifiers

RA 01h 19m 06.0s
Dec +58° 19' 60.0"
Constellation Cas
Catalog NGC 457

Visibility

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Eyepiece View

108x TFOV: 0.5° Lim. mag: 13.3
N E

NGC 457 · 7.8′ diameter · N up, E left

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About NGC 457

Description

The Owl Cluster (NGC 457) is a bright open cluster in Cassiopeia, about 7,900 light-years away. It features two bright stars that form the "eyes" of an owl with wings spread, giving it its popular name. The cluster spans about 13 arcminutes.

Observing Tips

One of the most delightful open clusters for beginners. Even a small telescope reveals the owl pattern clearly. The bright star Phi Cassiopeiae marks one eye. Best at 40-60x to frame the entire figure. Circumpolar and best in autumn.

History

Discovered by William Herschel in 1787. Also known as the E.T. Cluster because some observers see the outline of the movie character E.T. instead of an owl.

Fun Facts

Whether Phi Cassiopeiae (the bright yellow star forming one eye) is actually a cluster member or a foreground star is debated. If it is a member, it would be one of the most luminous supergiants known.