Open cluster · Perseus

M34 Spiral Cluster

Also known as: NGC 1039

mag 5.235′ across

About

M34, the Spiral Cluster, is an open cluster of magnitude 5.2 in Perseus, about 35′ across.

M34 is in the constellation Perseus.
Best evenings: around mid-December 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 north of 37° S.

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.

EyesA faint smudge at the limit of vision, only from a dark site.
Binoculars (10×50)A rich scattering of stars — binoculars often give the best view.
Telescope (6–8 inch)Dozens of stars, many sharp and some coloured.

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

Designations	M34, NGC 1039
Type	Open cluster
Magnitude	5.2The smaller the number, the brighter.
Apparent size	35′the full Moon is 31′ across
Constellation	Perseus
Right ascension (J2000)	02h 42m 07.4s
Declination (J2000)	+42° 44′ 46″