Double Cluster
#NGC869 and #NGC884, #Caldwell14, #PMC11
About this object
Nestled within the Perseus constellation, the Double Cluster—comprising NGC 869 and NGC 884—is a breathtaking celestial pair that enchants stargazers and astronomers alike. These open clusters, separated by only a few hundred light-years, are situated approximately 7,500 light-years away from Earth. Formed from the same molecular cloud roughly 13 million years ago, they sparkle with the brilliance of young, massive blue and white stars. Visible to the naked eye under dark skies, the Double Cluster is a stunning target for binoculars or telescopes, offering a mesmerizing tapestry of stellar beauty against the backdrop of the Milky Way.
Designations
Standardized Catalogues
Caldwell 14
PMC Observatory Catalogue
Observations
2024-12-20 at around 11:30 pm (+00:00)
2025-02-01 at around 09:15 pm (+00:00)
2025-02-22 at around 07:15 pm (+00:00)
2026-10-28 at around 09:00 pm (+00:00)
Location in the sky
Located between Eta Perseus and Ruchbah. To locate it, first find Mirfak, the bright star of the Perseus constellation. On the right, locate two aligned stars, Gamma and Eta Perseus. At Eta Perseus, draw an imaginary line with the Cassiopeia constellation's Ruchbah. It's about a third of the way on that line, starting from Eta Perseus.
Photographs
