Deep space
Owl Cluster
Open cluster · C13 · NGC 457
Open cluster in Cassiopeia
Photo: Henryk Kowalewski · CC BY-SA 2.5 · Wikimedia Commons
NGC 457 is an open cluster of stars in the northern constellation of Cassiopeia. Alternatively, it is designated Caldwell 13, and also known as the Dragonfly Cluster, E.T. Cluster, Owl Cluster, Kachina Doll Cluster or Phi Cassiopeiae Cluster. It was discovered by German-British astronomer William Herschel on August 18, 1780, with a 6.2 inch reflector telescope, and catalogued as VII 42. This is an easy target for amateur astronomers, and can be seen even with small telescopes in light-polluted skies.
Description from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0).
In your sky
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Key facts
Distance
~7,900 light-years
Apparent mag.
+6.4
Apparent size
7.8′
Best seen with
Naked eye (dark sky)
Catalogue
C13 · NGC 457
Did you know
- Listed as Caldwell 13 in the Caldwell catalogue, also known as NGC 457.
- Found in the constellation Cassiopeia.
- Visible to the naked eye from a dark, moonless site.
