M 37 (NGC 2099)
M 37 (NGC 2099) is an open cluster in the constellation Auriga, magnitude 6.2, 24′ across.
The richest of the Auriga clusters: a dense swarm of hundreds of faint stars with an orange star near its center, beautiful in any telescope.
When and where to see it
It is best placed in the evening sky around January, when it crosses the meridian at about 10 pm local time (around midnight in December). It can be seen from everywhere north of 57°S and never sets north of 57°N.
At its highest it stands 73° up from 50°N, 88° up from 35°N, 57° up from the equator, 22° up from 35°S.
Facts
- Type
- Open cluster
- Constellation
- Auriga
- Designations
- NGC 2099, Mel 38, Cr 75, Salt and Pepper Cluster, Melotte 38, Collinder 75
- Magnitude
- 6.2
- Apparent size
- 24′
- Position
- RA 5h 52.3m, Dec +32° 33′ (J2000)
Open AstroPilot to see when M 37 (NGC 2099) is highest tonight from your location, how easy it is with your telescope or binoculars, and an eyepiece view.