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Hubble · Messier 35 · NASA, ESA, and E. Nelan (Space Telescope Science Institute), A. Riess (The Johns Hopkins University), J. Rhodes (Jet Propulsion Laboratory) ; Processing: Gladys Kober (NASA/Catholic University of America)

Messier 35

Star cluster in Gemini · 2,800 light-years

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TypeStar cluster
ConstellationGemini
Right ascension6h 09m 05s
Declination+24° 20′
Object distance2,800 light-years
Apparent magnitude5.1
Apparent size24′ (arc-minutes)
Approx. true diameter19.5 light-years across
Also known asM35 · NGC 2168
Messier 35 is a star cluster (also catalogued as NGC 2168) in Gemini — a gravitationally bound family of stars sharing a common origin. It was recorded by Charles Messier in his famous catalogue of 110 deep-sky objects. It spans roughly 24 arc-minutes on the sky. At about magnitude 5.1, it is bright enough to glimpse with the unaided eye under a dark sky.

Although it appears about 24′ wide on the sky, its real span is roughly 19.5 light-years — the difference is a measure of how far away it lies.

Observing Messier 35

Messier 35 lies in the constellation Gemini and is best placed in the evening sky around December. Its maximum altitude above the horizon depends on your latitude. It is best placed for observers in the northern hemisphere, and sits low for those far south. At its brightness it can be found with the unaided eye under a dark sky and is easy in binoculars.

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Sources

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