| NGC 884 | |
|---|---|
 The Double Cluster, NGC 869 (top) and NGC 884 (bottom) with north to the left | |
| Observation data (J2000epoch) | |
| Right ascension | 02h 22.0m[1] |
| Declination | +57° 08′[1] |
| Distance | 7.6kly[2] (2.3kpc[2]) |
| Apparent magnitude (V) | 3.8[1] |
| Apparent dimensions (V) | 30′ |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Estimated age | 14 My[2] |
| Other designations | Caldwell 14,[3]Cr 25,Mel 14, Raab 10, OCl 353, Chi Per Cluster, χ Persei[1] |
| Associations | |
| Constellation | Perseus |
| See also:Open cluster,List of open clusters | |
NGC 884 (also known asχ Persei) is anopen cluster located 7640light years[2] away in theconstellation of Perseus. It is the east component of theDouble Cluster withNGC 869. NGC 869 and 884 are often designated h and χ Persei, respectively.[4] The cluster is about 14[2] million years old. Located in thePerseus OB1 association, both clusters are located physically close to one another, only a few hundred light years apart. The clusters were first recorded byHipparchus, thus have been known since antiquity.
The Double Cluster is a favorite of amateur astronomers. These bright clusters are often photographed or observed with small telescopes. Easy to find, the clusters are visible with the unaided eye between the constellations ofPerseus andCassiopeia as a brighter patch in the winterMilky Way. The Double Cluster was also included in theCaldwell catalogue, a catalogue of astronomical objects for amateur observation.[3]
In small telescopes, the cluster appears as a beautiful assemblage of bright stars located in a rich star field. Dominated by bright blue stars, the cluster also hosts a few orange stars that add to the visual interest. Both clusters together offer a spectacular low-magnification view.
Media related toNGC 884 at Wikimedia Commons
