Owl Cluster
NGC 457
천체 데이터
- 카탈로그 지정명
- C13
- 유형
- OpenCluster
- 별자리
- Cassiopeia
- 등급
- 6.4
- 적경
- 01h 19m 30.0s
- 적위
- +58° 19' 58.8"
- 거리
- 7,900 광년
- 각크기
- 13
서베이 이미지
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Owl Cluster 소개
설명
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.
관측 팁
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.
역사
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.
재미있는 사실
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.
커뮤니티 사진 (1)
Credit: Chuck Ayoub. License: CC0. (Wikimedia Commons)
Skybred Mar 2, 2026