Object name: NGC0659

Designation(s): NGC0659,

NGC 659 is an open cluster in Cassiopeia. The WEBDA says it is about 6,300 light-years away though many internet sources say it about 10,000 to 11,400 light-years away without giving a source. Its diameter is about 5 minutes of arc which translates to a diameter of about 15 to 17 light-years using the larger distance, 9 light-years using the 6,300 figure. The cluster\'s age is difficult to pin down but it is likely about 112 million years old. For more on this see:
http://www.springerlink.com/content/q263568660312q37/

The cluster was found by Caroline Herschel in on September 27, 1783. William verified it 4 years later.

14\" LX200R @ f/10, L=4x10\' RGB=1x10\'x3, STL-11000XM, Paramount ME

Permanent link: http://images.mantrapskies.com/catalog/NGC/NGC0659/NGC659-L4X10RGB1X10X3R-67.JPG