Hyades (C 41)

Hyades (C 41) is an open cluster in the constellation Taurus, magnitude 0.5, 5.5° across.

The nearest open cluster to the Sun, about 150 light-years away, forming the V-shaped face of Taurus. Orange Aldebaran lies in front of it but is not a member.

When and where to see it

It is best placed in the evening sky around December, when it crosses the meridian at about 10 pm local time (around midnight in December). It can be seen from everywhere north of 74°S and never sets north of 74°N.

At its highest it stands 56° up from 50°N, 71° up from 35°N, 74° up from the equator, 39° up from 35°S.

Facts

Type

Open cluster

Constellation

Taurus

Designations

C 41, Cr 50, Mel 25, Collinder 50, Melotte 25

Magnitude

0.5

Apparent size

5.5°

Position

RA 4h 26.9m, Dec +15° 52′ (J2000)

Open AstroPilot to see when Hyades (C 41) is highest tonight from your location, how easy it is with your telescope or binoculars, and an eyepiece view.