Open cluster · Carina

IC 2602 Southern Pleiades

Also known as: C102

mag 1.91.7° across

About

IC 2602, the Southern Pleiades, is an open cluster of magnitude 1.9 in Carina, about 1.7° across.

IC 2602 is in the constellation Carina.
Best evenings: around mid-April it is highest at about 9 pm (10 pm in summer time); a month earlier, two hours later.
Where on Earth: it is seen well, at least 10° up, from south of 16° N.
Diamond Cross: A bright cluster around θ Carinae, the Diamond’s eastern point; superb in binoculars.

When it rises and sets tonight, how high it climbs and how much the Moon gets in the way are worked out in your browser for your place.

EyesEasy: a group of stars, even from the suburbs.
Binoculars (10×50)A rich scattering of stars — binoculars often give the best view.
Telescope (6–8 inch)Too big for the field of view — only part fits. Binoculars show it better.

For a dark country sky with no Moon. From a city, faint galaxies and nebulae can disappear completely.

Designations	IC 2602, C102
Type	Open cluster
Magnitude	1.9The smaller the number, the brighter.
Apparent size	1.7°the full Moon is 31′ across
Constellation	Carina
Right ascension (J2000)	10h 42m 57.5s
Declination (J2000)	−64° 23′ 39″