Open cluster · Perseus

Mel 20 Alpha Persei Cluster

mag 1.23.1° across

About

Mel 20, the Alpha Persei Cluster, is an open cluster of magnitude 1.2 in Perseus, about 3.1° across.

Mel 20 is in the constellation Perseus.
Best evenings: around late 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 32° 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.

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	Mel 20
Type	Open cluster
Magnitude	1.2The smaller the number, the brighter.
Apparent size	3.1°the full Moon is 31′ across
Constellation	Perseus
Right ascension (J2000)	03h 24m 18.0s
Declination (J2000)	+48° 10′ 01″