NGC 188

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NGC 188
Observation data (J2000 epoch)
Constellation Cepheus
Right ascension 00h 48m 26s[1]
Declination +85° 15.3′[1]
Distance ()
Apparent dimensions (V) 15′
Other designations Cl Melotte 2[1]
See also: Open cluster, List of open clusters

NGC 188 is an open cluster in the Cepheus constellation. It was discovered by John Herschel in 1825. Unlike most open clusters that drift apart after a few million years because of the gravitational interaction of our galaxy, NGC 188 lies far above the plane of the galaxy and is one of the most ancient of open clusters.


NGC 188 is very close to the North Celestial Pole, under five degrees away, and in the constellation of Cepheus at an estimated 5,000 light year distance, this puts it slightly above the Milky Way's disc and further from the center of the galaxy than the Sun.

[edit] External links

[edit] References

  1. ^ a b c SIMBAD Astronomical Database. Results for NGC 188. Retrieved on 2006-12-08.
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