Open cluster · Puppis

NGC 2451 Stinging Scorpion Cluster

mag 2.850′ across

About

NGC 2451, the Stinging Scorpion Cluster, is an open cluster of magnitude 2.8 in Puppis, about 50′ across.

NGC 2451 is in the constellation Puppis.
Best evenings: around early March 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 42° N.

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 hazy patch or a knot of faint stars 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	NGC 2451
Type	Open cluster
Magnitude	2.8The smaller the number, the brighter.
Apparent size	50′the full Moon is 31′ across
Constellation	Puppis
Right ascension (J2000)	07h 45m 15.0s
Declination (J2000)	−37° 58′ 03″