h Persei Cluster (NGC 869)

h Persei Cluster (NGC 869) is an open cluster in the constellation Perseus, magnitude 3.7, 18′ across.

h Persei, the western half of the Double Cluster (C14): a rich, bright open cluster that shares a low-power field with NGC 884.

When and where to see it

It is best placed in the evening sky around November, when it crosses the meridian at about 10 pm local time (around midnight in October). It can be seen from everywhere north of 33°S and never sets north of 33°N.

At its highest it stands 83° up from 50°N, 68° up from 35°N, 33° up from the equator, below the horizon from 35°S.

Facts

Type

Open cluster

Constellation

Perseus

Designations

NGC 869, Mel 13, Cr 24, Melotte 13, Collinder 24

Magnitude

3.7

Apparent size

18′

Position

RA 2h 19.0m, Dec +57° 7′ (J2000)

Open AstroPilot to see when h Persei Cluster (NGC 869) is highest tonight from your location, how easy it is with your telescope or binoculars, and an eyepiece view.