M 103 (NGC 581)
M 103 (NGC 581) is an open cluster in the constellation Cassiopeia, magnitude 7.4, 6.0′ across.
A small, bright open cluster in Cassiopeia shaped like a fan or arrowhead, about 1° from Delta Cassiopeiae (Ruchbah).
When and where to see it
It is best placed in the evening sky around November, when it crosses the meridian at about 10 pm local time (around midnight in October). It can be seen from everywhere north of 29°S and never sets north of 29°N.
At its highest it stands 79° up from 50°N, 64° up from 35°N, 29° up from the equator, below the horizon from 35°S.
Facts
- Type
- Open cluster
- Constellation
- Cassiopeia
- Designations
- NGC 581, Mel 8, Cr 14, Melotte 8, Collinder 14
- Magnitude
- 7.4
- Apparent size
- 6.0′
- Position
- RA 1h 33.4m, Dec +60° 39′ (J2000)
Open AstroPilot to see when M 103 (NGC 581) is highest tonight from your location, how easy it is with your telescope or binoculars, and an eyepiece view.