NGC 884 (also known as χ Persei) is an open cluster located 7640 light years[2] away in the constellation of Perseus. It is the easternmost of the Double Cluster with NGC 869. NGC 869 and 884 are often designated h and χ Persei, respectively.[4] The cluster is about 14[2] million years old. Located in the Perseus OB1 association, both clusters are located physically close to one another, only a few hundred light years apart. The clusters were first recorded by Hipparchus, thus have been known since antiquity.
| NGC 884 | |
|---|---|
 The Double Cluster, NGC 869 (top) and NGC 884 (bottom) with north to the left | |
| Observation data (J2000 epoch) | |
| Right ascension | 02h 22.0m [1] |
| Declination | +57° 08′[1] |
| Distance | 7.6 kly[2] (2.3 kpc[2]) |
| Apparent magnitude (V) | 3.8[1] |
| Apparent dimensions (V) | 30′ |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Estimated age | 14 My[2] |
| Other designations | Caldwell 14,[3] Cr 25, Mel 14, Raab 10, OCl 353, Chi Per Cluster, χ Persei[1] |
| Associations | |
| Constellation | Perseus |
The Double Cluster is a favorite of amateur astronomers. These bright clusters are often photographed or observed with small telescopes. Easy to find, the clusters are visible with the unaided eye between the constellations of Perseus and Cassiopeia as a brighter patch in the winter Milky Way. The Double Cluster was also included in the Caldwell catalogue, a catalogue of astronomical objects for amateur observation.[3]
In small telescopes, the cluster appears as a beautiful assemblage of bright stars located in a rich star field. Dominated by bright blue stars, the cluster also hosts a few orange stars that add to the visual interest. Both clusters together offer a spectacular low-magnification view.
References
External links
Media related to NGC 884 at Wikimedia Commons- NGC 884 at SEDS
- NGC 884 at Messier45[permanent dead link]
