NGC 5281 (Mel 120)
NGC 5281 (Mel 120) is an open cluster in the constellation Centaurus, magnitude 5.9, 6.9′ across.
A 5.9-magnitude open cluster in Centaurus, about 6.9′ across.
When and where to see it
It is best placed in the evening sky around May, when it crosses the meridian at about 10 pm local time (around midnight in April). It can be seen from everywhere south of 27°N and never sets south of 27°S.
At its highest it stands below the horizon from 50°N, below the horizon from 35°N, 27° up from the equator, 62° up from 35°S.
Facts
- Type
- Open cluster
- Constellation
- Centaurus
- Designations
- Mel 120, Cr 276, Melotte 120, Collinder 276
- Magnitude
- 5.9
- Apparent size
- 6.9′
- Position
- RA 13h 46.6m, Dec −62° 55′ (J2000)
Open AstroPilot to see when NGC 5281 (Mel 120) is highest tonight from your location, how easy it is with your telescope or binoculars, and an eyepiece view.