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Pearl Cluster

C97, NGC 3766

Proper NamePearl Cluster
Caldwell NumberC97
NGC/IC NumberNGC 3766
ConstellationCentaurus
Right Ascension11h 36m 18s
Declination-61° 36' 54"
Distancec.7,200 light years
c.2,200 parsecs
MagnitudeApparent: +5.3
Absolute: -6.4
DiameterApparent: 9'
Actual: 19 light years
Number of Stars137
Optimum VisibilityMarch / April (Usually visible from southern latitudes)
NotesLying on the eastern edge of the vast Carina Molecular Cloud, most of the stars in this cluster are blue in colour, though two red giants shine out on either side of the cluster's main body. The Pearl Cluster is notable for a newly-discovered type of pulsating variable star that is surprisingly common among its members.

Imagery provided by Aladin sky atlas

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