# Upper Sword (NGC 1981)

Upper Sword (NGC 1981) is a cluster + nebula in the constellation Orion, magnitude 4.2, 9.0′ across.

A star cluster with nebulosity in Orion, about 9′ across. Its catalogued magnitude, 4.2, is that of the star cluster; the nebulosity is much fainter.

## 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 south of 86°N and never sets south of 86°S.

At its highest it stands 36° up from 50°N, 51° up from 35°N, 86° up from the equator, 59° up from 35°S.

## Facts

- Type: Cluster + nebula
- Constellation: Orion
- Designations: NGC 1981
- Magnitude: 4.2
- Apparent size: 9.0′
- Position: RA 5h 35.2m, Dec −4° 25′ (J2000)

Open AstroPilot to see when Upper Sword (NGC 1981) is highest tonight from your location, how easy it is with your telescope or binoculars, and an eyepiece view. https://astropilot.space/object/NGC1981