C98
NGC 4609
Dados do Objeto
- Designação do Catálogo
- C98
- Tipo
- OpenCluster
- Constelação
- Crux
- Magnitude
- 6.9
- Ascensão Reta
- 12h 42m 17.8s
- Declinação
- -62° 59' 49.2"
- Distância
- 4,200 anos-luz
- Tamanho Angular
- 5
Imagem de Levantamento
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Sobre C98
Descrição
NGC 4609 is a small open cluster in Crux, about 4,200 light-years away. It contains about 40 stars within 5 arcminutes and lies just northwest of the Coalsack Nebula (C99), partially projected against the dark cloud.
Dicas de Observação
A compact, moderately rich cluster visible in a 4-inch telescope. Its proximity to the Coalsack Nebula creates a striking contrast between the bright cluster and the dark background. Best from southern latitudes in autumn and winter.
História
Discovered by James Dunlop in 1826 from Australia. Its position against the Coalsack makes it a popular target when observing the famous dark nebula.
Curiosidades
NGC 4609 appears to overlap with the Coalsack Nebula, but the cluster lies far beyond the dark cloud. The juxtaposition creates one of the finest examples of a bright cluster seen against a conspicuously dark background.
Fotos da Comunidade (1)
Credit: Roberto Mura. License: CC BY-SA 3.0. (Wikimedia Commons)
Skybred Mar 2, 2026