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Астронет: Астрономическая картинка дня Двойное скопление http://www.variable-stars.ru/db/msg/1237197/eng |
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.
Authors & editors:
Robert Nemiroff
(MTU) &
Jerry Bonnell
(USRA)
NASA Web Site Statements, Warnings,
and Disclaimers
NASA Official: Jay Norris.
Specific
rights apply.
A service of:
LHEA at
NASA /
GSFC
& Michigan Tech. U.