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Great Bird Cluster

Collinder 119, Melotte 54, NGC 2301

Proper NameGreat Bird Cluster
Messier NumberNone
NGC/IC NumberNGC 2301
Other DesignationsCollinder 119, Melotte 54
ConstellationMonoceros
Right Ascension6h 51m 46s
Declination+0° 27' 54"
Distancec.2,800 light years
c.900 parsecs
MagnitudeApparent: +6.00
Absolute: -3.70
DiameterApparent: 14'
Actual: 12 light years
Number of Starsc. 540
Optimum VisibilityJanuary
NotesA rich cluster of primarily blue and white stars lying against the band of the Milky Way as it passes through central Monoceros. With a visual magnitude of +6.00, the cluster lies on the edge of naked-eye visibility under ideal conditions.

Imagery provided by Aladin sky atlas

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