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Thursday, December 3, 2009

Next APOD: 2009 December 4 - The Double Cluster

APOD Next the Coming NASA Astronomy Picture of the Day

APOD: 2009 December 4 - The Double Cluster

ap091204_html

The Double Cluster
Credit & Copyright: Neil Fleming

Explanation: A lovely starfield in the heroic northern constellation Perseus holds this famous pair of open or galactic star clusters, h and Chi Perseii. Also cataloged as NGC 869 (right) and NGC 884, both clusters are about 7,000 light-years away and contain stars much younger and hotter than the Sun. Separated by only a few hundred light-years, the clusters' ages based on their individual stars are similar - evidence that they were likely a product of the same star-forming region. Always a rewarding sight in binoculars, the Double Cluster is even visible to the unaided eye from dark locations. Star colors (and spikes) are enhanced in this beautiful, wide field, telescopic image.

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