Southern Beehive Cluster (NGC 2516)
Southern Beehive Cluster (NGC 2516) is an open cluster in the constellation Carina, magnitude 3.8, 24′ across.
A large, bright open cluster in Carina, visible to the naked eye; binoculars show a few orange giants among its blue-white stars.
When and where to see it
It is best placed in the evening sky around February, when it crosses the meridian at about 10 pm local time (around midnight in January). It can be seen from everywhere south of 29°N and never sets south of 29°S.
At its highest it stands below the horizon from 50°N, below the horizon from 35°N, 29° up from the equator, 64° up from 35°S.
Facts
- Type
- Open cluster
- Constellation
- Carina
- Designations
- NGC 2516, C 96, Mel 82, Cr 172, Melotte 82, Collinder 172
- Magnitude
- 3.8
- Apparent size
- 24′
- Position
- RA 7h 58.1m, Dec −60° 45′ (J2000)
Open AstroPilot to see when Southern Beehive Cluster (NGC 2516) is highest tonight from your location, how easy it is with your telescope or binoculars, and an eyepiece view.