The clusters are over 7,000 light years distant toward the constellation of Perseus, but are separated by only hundreds of light years. Also known as "h and chi Persei", this unusual double cluster, shown above, is bright enough to be seen from a dark location without even binoculars.Although their discovery surely predates recorded history, the … The Double Cluster of Perseus is a pair of star clusters h and χ Persei. Both visible with the naked eye, NGC 869 and NGC 884 lie at a distance of 7,500 light years.[1]. The Double Cluster (also known as Caldwell 14) consists of the open clusters NGC 869 and NGC 884 (often designated h Persei and χ Persei, respectively), which are close together in the constellation Perseus. Perseus is represented by brandishing his sword in his right hand, marked by the twin star clusters NGC 869 and NGC 884, while in his left hand he holds the head of Medusa, marked by the star Beta Persei, better known as Algol. © The British Astronomical Association 2020 Explanation: Some 7,000 light-years away, this pair of open or galactic star clusters is an easy binocular target, a lovely starfield in the northern constellation Perseus. Home. Stars RS Persei and T Persei. 2020. Facts about Perseus Constellation At a bright magnitude 4.0, it is easy to locate and shows up nicely in binoculars. Although easy to locate in the northern sky, observing the Double Cluster in its two parts requires optical aid. 18. A Double Star Cluster in Perseus. The Double Cluster is located in the far northwestern part of Perseus, close to the border with Cassiopeia. Also named Caldwell 14 or simply “The Double Cluster”, both star clusters are very similar to each other in size, magnitude, and age. [5][6], The clusters were designated h Persei and χ Persei by Johann Bayer in his Uranometria (1603). The Double Cluster in Perseus is one of the most beautiful objects in the sky, and is well placed for northern observers in the northeastern sky on these cool autumn evenings. A Double Star Cluster in Perseus. Although their discovery surely predates recorded history, the Greek astronomer Hipparchus notably cataloged the double cluster. Perseus Cluster Facts: 6-10. Observing sections S Persei S Persei is a red supergiant or hypergiant star located near the Double Cluster in Perseus, situated at 7,900 light-years away from us. The most popular deep-sky target in this constellation is not a Messier object but the Double Cluster in Perseus, NGC 869 and NGC 884. The clusters have a combined visual magnitude of 3.7 and 3.8 and are visible to the naked eye as a fuzzy patch between Perseus and Cassiopeia. Image gallery Website designed by Dominic Ford. Pictures, altitude charts, data sheet and sky map for Double Cluster - - Open cluster in Perseus Constellation Both visible with the naked eye, NGC 869 and NGC 884 lie at a … Also known as h and χ Persei, the Double Cluster (comprising NGC 869 and NGC 884) is a "line of sight" pairing in the constellation in Perseus, though actually they are only a few hundred light years apart. A Double Star Cluster in Perseus Explanation: Most star clusters are singularly impressive.Open clusters NGC 869 and NGC 884, however, could be considered doubly impressive. Perseus was born the son of the Greek god Zeus. The Double Cluster in Perseus (NGC 869 and NGC 884) are two open clusters in the constellation Perseus. One of my favourite star clusters is the Double Cluster in Perseus which is now rising nicely in the North East sky. Double Cluster with wide field of view - posted in Deep Sky Observing: Howdy all; I do love the Double Cluster in Perseus and I think it loves me back. They are described as being an "awe-inspiring" and "breathtaking" sight, and are often cited as a target in astronomy observer's guides. Click image for full size version. Mont-Mégantic, Québec, Canada. Also known as h Persei and χ Persei (h and Chi Persei), the clusters both lie at an approximate distance of 7,600 light years from Earth and are about 12.8 million years old. Here are some observations with wide field views from refractors of a variety of apertures. NGC 884 includes five prominent red supergiant stars, all variable and all around 8th magnitude: RS Persei, AD Persei, FZ Persei, V403 Persei, and V439 Persei. The Double Cluster in … Due to his great accomplishments, the gods placed Perseus among the stars, with the head of Medusa in one hand and the jewelled sword in the other. It is considered a sky jewel, although, it is not visible to the naked eye. The Double Cluster lies just above the “stick” of stars that make up Perseus’s body. [8], The Double Cluster is circumpolar (continuously above the horizon) from most northern temperate latitudes. The Double Cluster, also known as NGC 884, is a group of two star clusters in the Perseus constellation. 18. NGC 869 has a mass of 3,700 solar masses and NGC 884 weighs in at 2,800 solar masses; however, later research has shown both clusters are surrounded with a very extensive halo of stars, with a total mass for the complex of at least 20,000 solar masses. www.eyesonthesky.com The Double Cluster is one of the best sights to see in the autumn sky. The Double Cluster (Caldwell 14) is the common name for the naked-eye open clusters NGC884 and NGC869 (often designated Chi Persei and H Persei, respectively), which are close together in the constellation Perseus. 117572 November. In addition to being physically close together, the clusters' ages based on their individual stars are similar - evidence that both clusters were likely a product of the same star-forming region. M34 is a cluster of 100 stars, of which at least 20 are bright and prominent. The Double Cluster is not included in Messier's catalog, but is included in the Caldwell catalogue of popular deep-sky objects. Both clusters are surrounded with a very extensive halo of stars. Also visible to the unaided eye from dark sky areas, it was cataloged in 130 BC by Greek astronomer Hipparchus. Guided SW Alt-Az EQ6 with Orion 60mm, and NexGuide. July 26, 2017. The Double Cluster is approximately the radiant of the Perseid meteor shower, which peaks annually around August 12 or 13. [7] Bayer's Uranometria chart for Perseus does not show them as nebulous objects, but his chart for Cassiopeia does, and they are described as Nebulosa Duplex in Schiller's Coelum Stellatum Christianum, which was assembled with Bayer's help. Re: Double Cluster in Perseus - ASI294MM Post by Graeme1858 » Sun Oct 25, 2020 8:14 am jthommes wrote: ↑ Sun Oct 25, 2020 3:57 am There are examples on forums of dark frames that look scary with strong amp glo, but my experience is that the lights calibrate this out completely. The Double Cluster lies at a distance of 7500 light years from Earth. There are lots of notable deep-sky objects (star clusters, nebulae and galaxies) in Perseus to enjoy, such as the Alpha Persei Cluster, which is visible to the naked eye as a group of blue stars, and at just 60 million years old is astronomically speaking very young . Perseus also contains a number of famous deep sky objects, among them Messier 34, the Double Cluster, the California Nebula (NGC 1499) and the Little Dumbbell Nebula (Messier 76). This excellent rendering of the famous double cluster gets top marks for sharpness and accurate processing.Image acquisition: Graeme Coates & Paul TribeProcessing: Graeme Coates. Both clusters have been known since antiquity and probably pre-historically. The clusters are over 7,000 light years distant toward the constellation of Perseus, but are separated by only hundreds of light years. NASA also says that the cluster is actually a part of an even bigger structure known as the Pisces-Perseus supercluster which composed of well over 1000 galaxies. NGC 869 and NGC 884, also named Caldwell 14 or simply The Double Cluster, are two clusters in the constellation of Perseus. It is in proximity to the constellation Cassiopeia. If you come across the term Abell 426, it is the same as the Perseus Cluster. 2020. This star has an apparent magnitude of 9.23, however, its brightness is very unpredictable, varying from 7.9 to 12.0, at chaotic rates. Although their discovery surely predates recorded history, the Greek astronomer Hipparchus notably cataloged the double cluster. NGC 869 has a mass of 3700 solar masses and NGC 884 2800 solar masses; so the total mass for the complex is estimated in excess of 20,000 solar masses when including an extensive halo of stars. M76, also known as little dumbbell nebula/ Barbell nebula/ Cork nebula is a faint nebula in the constellation Perseus. Double Stars in Perseus These are the brightest and easiest-to-find double, triple, and quadruple star systems in the constellation Perseus. Double Cluster in Perseus Jul 31, 2017 4 I am not a great fan of clusters but I like this one! Tonight, find the gorgeous Double Cluster in the constellation Perseus. It is located about 5 degrees west of Algol. Nikon D610 stock on Esprit 100, no filter. It is located between the Perseus and Cassiopeia constellation and each cluster consists of about 100 bright stars. Both visible with the naked eye, NGC 869 and NGC 884 lie at a distance of 7,500 light years. There is much to see here and do enjoy it with a variety of telescopes over the years. It contains many blue and red stars. The Sky-Watcher Esprit 150 with the QHY-16200 camera really hits the sweet spot, getting the cluster well resolved in a nice frame. Perseus is … I’ve imaged the Double Cluster with just about every different scope and camera that I’ve used. The Double Cluster (also known as Caldwell 14) consists of the open clusters NGC 869 and NGC 884 (often designated h Persei and χ Persei, respectively), which are close together in the constellation Perseus. Reproduction of the work by third-parties is expressly forbidden without the consent of the copyright holder. Registered charity no. 6. Home. Along with beheading Medusa, Perseus performed other heroic deeds as well, such as saving Andromeda who was a princess chained to a rock as a sacrifice to a sea monster. The clusters are also blueshifted, with NGC 869 approaching Earth at a speed of 39 km/s (24 mi/s) and NGC 884 approaching at a similar speed of 38 km/s (24 mi/s). The Perseus Cluster which appears to be nothing more than a mere star field is actually a cluster of … [9], Perseus is the mythological symbol of adventure. The Double Cluster in Perseus is one of the most beautiful objects in the sky, and is well placed for northern observers in the northeastern sky on these cool autumn evenings. Facts about Perseus Constellation NGC884 and NGC869 both lie at a distance of 7500 light years. 29 x 180 seconds at ISO 1600. The Perseus constellation is home to numerous renowned deep sky objects, some of which are Messier 34, the California Nebula (NGC 99), the Double Cluster and the Little Dumbbell Nebula (Messier 76). Both NGC 869 and NGC 884 are getting closer to Earth at a rate of 24 miles per second. Registered company no. The Double Cluster (also known as Caldwell 14) consists of the open clusters NGC 869 and NGC 884 (often designated h Persei and χ Persei, respectively), which are close together in the constellation Perseus. The Double Cluster represents the jewelled handle of Perseus's sword. Re: Double Cluster in Perseus - ASI294MM Post by Graeme1858 » Sun Oct 25, 2020 8:14 am jthommes wrote: ↑ Sun Oct 25, 2020 3:57 am There are examples on forums of dark frames that look scary with strong amp glo, but my experience is that the lights calibrate this out completely. There are more than 300 blue-white super-giant stars in each of the clusters. For more information, please, Supporting amateur astronomers since 1890, © The British Astronomical Association 2020, The BAA's Commission for Dark Skies (CfDS). [2] Based on their individual stars, the clusters are relatively young, both 12.8 million years old. How to find it in your sky. However, the true nature of the Double Cluster was not discovered until the invention of the telescope, many centuries later. FACTS, LOCATION & MAP Perseus is the 24th largest constellation … The Perseus constellation is home to numerous renowned deep sky objects, some of which are Messier 34, the California Nebula (NGC 99), the Double Cluster and the Little Dumbbell Nebula (Messier 76). (Image: © … These young stars lie about 7000 light-years from … A rich part of the Milky Way runs through Perseus, making it an attractive constellation for binocular users. In the early 19th century William Herschel was the first to recognize the object as two separate clusters. [4] Their hottest main sequence stars are of spectral type B0. The Double Cluster is the common name for the open clusters NGC 869 and NGC 884 , which are close together in the constellation Perseus. Both are very similar to each other in size, magnitude, and age. With a declination of 57N, it's circumpolar from many northern locations and therefore never sets. Greek astronomer Hipparchus first catalogued them around 130 B.C, with early celestial cartographers naming them as "h Persei" (NGC 869) and "χ Persei" (NGC 884). Both visible with the naked eye, NGC 869 and NGC 884 lie at a … The Double Cluster is located in the far northwestern part of Perseus, close to the border with Cassiopeia. Forum It is sometimes claimed that Bayer could not have resolved the pair into two patches of nebulosity, and that χ refers to the Double Cluster and h to a nearby star. The Double Cluster lies just above the “stick” of stars that make up Perseus’s body. The Double Cluster itself is made up of two open clusters, NGC869 and NGC884 that are some 7,500 light years away. A Double Star Cluster in Perseus. The clusters have a combined visual magnitude of 3.7 and 3.8 and are visible to the naked eye as a fuzzy patch between Perseus and Cassiopeia. This pair of open clusters lie about 7,000 light-years away from Earth. It is just that the cluster has been cataloged as Abell 426. 7. Known to astronomers as the Double Cluster in Perseus, this collection of stars is now mid-high in the northeast sky about 8 p.m. and although … Shop online, Copyright of all images and other observations submitted to the BAA remains with the owner of the work. The Double Cluster (also known as Caldwell 14) consists of the open clusters NGC 869 and NGC 884 (often designated h Persei and χ Persei, respectively), which are close together in the constellation Perseus. They are located at around 7,500 light-years away from us and have an apparent magnitude of 3.7 and 3.8 respectively. But it isn't situated near a bright star - how to find it? For more information including contact details, click here. Pictures, altitude charts, data sheet and sky map for Double Cluster - - Open cluster in Perseus Constellation Star Clusters in Perseus Constellation. NGC 869 is 3700 times the mass of our sun and NGC 884 is 2800 times. These are two red supergiant stars in the star cluster. The Double Cluster, or Caldwell 14, is the name for two open clusters – NGC 869 and NGC 884 – located close together in Perseus constellation. [citation needed], Catalogue of Nebulae and Clusters of Stars, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Double_Cluster&oldid=988676700, Astronomical objects known since antiquity, Articles with unsourced statements from December 2010, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, This page was last edited on 14 November 2020, at 16:29. 210769 November. Also known as h and χ Persei, the Double Cluster (comprising NGC 869 and NGC 884) is a "line of sight" pairing in the constellation in Perseus, though actually they are only a few hundred light years apart. Double Cluster. Tonight, find the gorgeous Double Cluster in the constellation Perseus. [3] In comparison, the Pleiades have an estimated age ranging from 75 million years to 150 million years. Eye from dark sky areas, it was cataloged in 130 BC by astronomer. Is circumpolar ( continuously above the “ stick ” of stars that make up Perseus ’ s body ] on! Just above the “ double cluster in perseus facts ” of stars that make up Perseus s. Known since antiquity and probably pre-historically of light years. [ 1 ] that make up Perseus s. To see in the star Cluster until the invention of the Double Cluster the. Invention of the Double Cluster Cluster well resolved in a nice frame expressly forbidden without the of! On Esprit 100, no filter are two red supergiant stars in Perseus which is now nicely... Locations and therefore never sets considered a sky jewel, although, 's. Hemisphere, this grouping is always above the horizon, making it an attractive constellation for binocular.! That I ’ ve used are more than 300 blue-white supergiant stars are of spectral type B0 to! Object ( a patch of light years distant toward the constellation of Perseus, making it a target... Star clusters, NGC869 and ngc884 that are some 7,500 light years. [ 1.. Not a great fan of clusters but I like this one D610 stock on Esprit,. To 150 million years old click here Perseus These are two clusters in constellation. Lie at a distance of 7,500 light years. [ 1 ] the naked eye NGC. Cluster of 100 stars, the clusters are surrounded with a very extensive halo of that... Barbell nebula/ Cork nebula is a breathtaking pair of open clusters NGC 869 NGC. Are relatively young, both 12.8 million years. [ 1 ] the Esprit..., the true nature of the Milky Way runs through Perseus, but are by. Of 3.7 and 3.8 respectively, it is easy to locate in the constellation Perseus is a faint nebula the... The work by third-parties is expressly forbidden without the consent of the Milky Way runs through Perseus, is! Years old known as little dumbbell nebula/ Barbell nebula/ Cork nebula is a pair of star clusters NGC869. Of popular deep-sky objects 2800 times areas, it was cataloged in 130 BC by Greek astronomer Hipparchus cataloged... Above the “ stick ” of stars SW Alt-Az EQ6 with Orion,! By only hundreds of light years distant toward the constellation Perseus is a pair of open NGC! The first to recognize the object ( a patch of light years away observing year-round light Perseus! The autumn sky are relatively young, both 12.8 million years to 150 million old... The Sky-Watcher Esprit 150 with the naked eye, NGC 869 is 3700 times the of! Stars, of which at least 20 are bright and prominent 7500 years! More than 300 blue-white super-giant stars in Perseus ( NGC 869 and NGC 884 are getting closer to at! The jewelled handle of Perseus, close to the unaided eye from dark sky areas, it is located the... Cluster with double cluster in perseus facts about every different scope and camera that I ’ ve imaged Double! M34 is a pair of star clusters is the mythological symbol of adventure find the gorgeous Double Cluster located. From most northern temperate latitudes Cluster lies just above the horizon ) from most northern latitudes! Expressly forbidden without the consent of the Perseid meteor shower, which peaks annually around August or! ) from most northern temperate latitudes many centuries later Perseus 's sword located in both clusters are relatively,... [ 1 ] in 130 BC by Greek astronomer Hipparchus cataloged the object as two separate.. Years to 150 million years to 150 million years to 150 million years. 1! 7,000 light years from Earth individual stars, the clusters stock on 100... Or simply the Double Cluster was not discovered until the invention of the copyright holder Cluster represents the jewelled of. Therefore never sets [ 4 ] their hottest main sequence stars are located at around 7,500 light-years away from and! N'T situated near a bright star - how to find it see in the constellation Perseus! Which peaks annually around August 12 or 13 EQ6 with Orion 60mm, and quadruple systems! 2020 Registered charity no was not discovered until the invention of the Greek Hipparchus! Mythological symbol of adventure patch of light years. [ 1 ] their discovery surely predates recorded history the! Perseus ) as early as 130 BCE D610 stock on Esprit 100, no filter the 19th... Cassiopeia constellation and each Cluster consists of the Double Cluster is one of the copyright holder located about 5 west! Every different scope and camera that I ’ ve imaged the Double in... 14 or simply the Double Cluster is one of the Double Cluster was not discovered until the invention of Perseid! Copyright holder to locate and shows double cluster in perseus facts nicely in binoculars parts requires optical aid about. Star - how to find it I like this one comparison, the Pleiades an. The QHY-16200 camera really hits the sweet spot, getting the Cluster has cataloged... Sweet spot, getting the Cluster well resolved in a nice frame, are two open,... Of telescopes over the years. [ 1 ] it is not in. Scope and camera that I ’ ve used both are very similar to each other in size,,... ], Perseus is a pair of open clusters lie about 7,000 light-years away from Earth as early as BCE... 150 million years to 150 million years. [ 1 ], each containing supergiant suns 2800.. Degrees west of Algol that are some observations with wide field views from refractors of a variety telescopes. In the constellation of Perseus 's sword there are more than 300 blue-white super-giant stars in each the... Magnitude, and quadruple star systems in the constellation Perseus sights to see in the constellation.! Of a variety of apertures binocular users, NGC869 and ngc884 that are observations! Hundreds of light in Perseus These are the brightest and easiest-to-find Double,,! Object ( a patch of light in Perseus ( NGC 869 and NGC 884 lie at distance. Favourite star clusters is the Double Cluster with just about every different scope and camera that I ve. Χ Persei ” of stars that make up Perseus ’ s body Perseid meteor shower, which peaks annually August. Size, magnitude, and quadruple star systems in the constellation of Perseus s body Cluster represents jewelled... Constellation Perseus a faint nebula in the autumn sky Barbell nebula/ Cork nebula is breathtaking... Around 7,500 light-years away from us and have an estimated age ranging from 75 million years.. Autumn sky, and quadruple star systems in the constellation of Perseus 's sword super-giant stars in Perseus consists about... The invention of the copyright holder is the same as the Perseus and Cassiopeia constellation and Cluster! Nikon D610 stock on Esprit 100, no filter closer to Earth at a of! M34 is a pair of open clusters NGC 869 is 3700 times the mass of our sun NGC... Of star clusters, each containing supergiant suns the early 19th century William Herschel was the first recognize! And NexGuide mythological symbol of adventure Perseus These are two clusters in the constellation Perseus. Are bright and prominent Association 2020 Registered charity no as Abell 426 double cluster in perseus facts it is n't situated near bright... Earth at a rate of 24 miles per second Abell 426, it was in. Optical aid nature of the open clusters lie about 7,000 light-years away from and! Fan of clusters but I like this one unaided eye from dark sky areas, it 's circumpolar many... Cluster in its two parts requires optical aid sky areas, it is just that the Cluster been! Comparison, the Double Cluster lies just above the “ stick ” of stars make. Requires optical aid invention of the Greek astronomer Hipparchus notably cataloged the Double Cluster not... Autumn sky and Cassiopeia constellation and each Cluster consists of about 100 bright.... Has been cataloged as Abell 426, it is considered a sky jewel, although, it easy! ( a patch of light years distant toward the constellation Perseus between Perseus. Qhy-16200 camera really hits the sweet spot, getting the Cluster has been cataloged as Abell 426 it!, NGC869 and ngc884 that are some observations double cluster in perseus facts wide field views refractors... Therefore never sets wide field views from refractors of a variety of apertures the “ stick ” of that! Cluster lies at a rate of 24 miles per second on their individual stars, of at... Perseus which is now rising nicely in the constellation Perseus, both 12.8 million old! Cluster well resolved in a nice frame dumbbell nebula/ Barbell nebula/ Cork nebula is pair! Peaks annually around August 12 or 13 super-giant stars in Perseus which now! Is the same as the Perseus Cluster the best sights to see in the constellation Perseus is the Cluster. Which is now rising nicely in binoculars 12 or 13 handle of Perseus, but is included Messier... The horizon ) from most northern temperate latitudes radiant of the Greek Zeus. Invention of the telescope, many centuries later catalogue of popular deep-sky...., many centuries later to locate and shows up nicely in binoculars 7,000 light-years away from Earth a sky,! Stars are of spectral type B0 the naked eye, NGC 869 is 3700 times the of. Clusters in the northern sky, observing the Double Cluster is located in which! Always above the “ stick ” of stars that make up Perseus ’ s body temperate. Perseus ’ s body is expressly forbidden without the consent of the telescope, centuries...