Deep space
NGC 4609
Open cluster · C98 · NGC 4609
Open cluster in Crux
Photo: Roberto Mura · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons
NGC 4609 is an open cluster of stars in the southern constellation of Crux. It was discovered on May 12, 1826 by the Scottish astronomer James Dunlop. The cluster has an apparent visual magnitude of 6.9 and spans an angular size of 6.5′. It is situated beyond the Coalsack Nebula at an estimated distance of 4,500 ly (1,379 pc) from the Sun.
Description from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0).
In your sky
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Key facts
Distance
~4,200 light-years
Apparent mag.
+6.9
Apparent size
5.4′
Best seen with
Binoculars
Catalogue
C98 · NGC 4609
Did you know
- Listed as Caldwell 98 in the Caldwell catalogue, also known as NGC 4609.
- Found in the constellation Crux.
- Within reach of ordinary binoculars under dark skies.
