M52

M52 is an open cluster of stars situated within the constellation of Cassiopeia. It can be seen against the backdrop of a Milky Way field.

M52 = NGC7654 (23h 24.2m +61°35´, 6.9 mag. ) This rich open star cluster in Cassiopeia was discovered by Messier on Sept. 7, 1774. Located more than 3,000 ly away, it measures over 10 ly across and cosists of some 200 stars.

M52: The Constellation Cassiopeia Cassiopeia is a northern constellation which greek mythology considered to represent a vain queen. It is one of the 88 modern constellations, and was also one of the 48 listed by Ptolemy.

M52 (open cluster) M103 (open cluster) The Story of Perseus Take a look at the story of how Perseus slew Medusa, the mother of Pegasus, and rescued Andromeda, the daughter of Cepheus and Cassiopeia, from the sea monster Cetus.

In addition to M52 and NGC 7789, Cassiopeia hosts several other open star clusters that are visible tonight through your binoculars. Here are some others to tempt you outside.

M52 (NGC 7654) is an open cluster of about 120 stars. It's found 6º NW of rho Cas. Burnham gives the best method of finding the cluster: draw a line from alpha Cas to beta Cas, then continue this line, doubling its length.

The Open Cluster M103 is quite easy to find as are the double stars, try locating M52 by using the star hopping technique.

Cassiopeia is a northern circumpolar constellation, so it can be viewed all year long. It is home to several clusters, or groups of stars. M52 is a large cluster on the western edge.

Triple star iota Cas Variable star rho Cas Diffuse Nebulae I 1805, I 1848, I 59, NGC 281 Planetary Nebula NGC 7635 Open star clusters: M52, M103, NGC 663, NGC 129, NGC 133, NGC 146, NGC 457, NGC 559, NGC 654, NGC 663 ...

Cassiopeia contains two open clusters, M52 (magnitude 7.3) and M103 (magnitude 7.4). The srongest radio source, Cassiopeia A, emanates from Cassiopeia; it is the remnant of a supernova which ocurred about A.D. 1660, and is 10,000 light years from us.

See also: Cluster, Cassiopeia, Sky, Star, Clusters