Deep space
Polarissima Cluster
Open cluster · C1 · NGC 188
Open cluster in Cepheus
Photo: DexterMobot · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons
NGC 188 is an open cluster in the constellation Cepheus. It was discovered by John Herschel in 1825. Unlike most open clusters that drift apart after a few million years because of the gravitational interaction of our Milky Way galaxy, NGC 188 lies far above the plane of the galaxy and is one of the most ancient of open clusters known, at approximately 6.8 billion years old.
Description from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0).
In your sky
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Key facts
Distance
~4,800 light-years
Apparent mag.
+8.1
Apparent size
17.7′
Best seen with
Binoculars
Catalogue
C1 · NGC 188
Did you know
- Listed as Caldwell 1 in the Caldwell catalogue, also known as NGC 188.
- Found in the constellation Cepheus.
- Within reach of ordinary binoculars under dark skies.
