| Messier 36 | |
|---|---|
Open cluster M36 seen in infrared light., courtesy of: [1] |
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| Observation data (J2000.0 epoch) | |
| Constellation | Auriga |
| Right ascension | 5h 36m 12s |
| Declination | +34° 08′ 4″ |
| Distance | 4.1 kly (1.3 kpc) |
| Apparent magnitude (V) | 6.3 |
| Apparent dimensions (V) | 12′ |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Radius | 14 ly |
| Estimated age | 25 Ma |
| Other designations | NGC 1960 |
| See also: Open cluster, List of open clusters | |
Open Cluster M36 (also known as Messier Object 36, Messier 36, M36, or NGC 1960) is an open cluster in the Auriga constellation. It was discovered by Giovanni Batista Hodierna before 1654. M36 is at a distance of about 4,100 light years away from Earth and is about 14 light years across. There are at least sixty members in the cluster. The cluster is very similar to the Pleiades cluster (M45), and if it were the same distance from Earth it would be of similar magnitude.
Coordinates: 05h 36m 12s, +34° 08′ 04″
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