M 34 (NGC 1039)
M 34 (NGC 1039) is an open cluster in the constellation Perseus, magnitude 5.5, 35′ across.
A bright, scattered open cluster in Perseus, easy in binoculars and lovely at low power.
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 November). It can be seen from everywhere north of 47°S and never sets north of 47°N.
At its highest it stands 83° up from 50°N, 82° up from 35°N, 47° up from the equator, 12° up from 35°S.
Facts
- Type
- Open cluster
- Constellation
- Perseus
- Designations
- NGC 1039, Mel 17, Cr 31, Spiral Cluster, Melotte 17, Collinder 31
- Magnitude
- 5.5
- Apparent size
- 35′
- Position
- RA 2h 42.1m, Dec +42° 45′ (J2000)
Open AstroPilot to see when M 34 (NGC 1039) is highest tonight from your location, how easy it is with your telescope or binoculars, and an eyepiece view.