NGC 2362

NGC 2362

NGC 2362 in Canis Major
Observation data (J2000 epoch)
Constellation Canis Major
Right ascension 07h 18.6m[1]
Declination 24° 59[1]
Distance 4.8 ± 1.6 kly (1.5 ± 0.5 kpc[2])
Apparent magnitude (V) 4.1[3]
Apparent dimensions (V) 8[3]
Physical characteristics
Other designations Caldwell 64
The stars of NGC 2362 surrounding τ CMa (Infrared image taken by the Spitzer Space Telescope)

NGC 2362 is an open cluster in the constellation Canis Major. It was discovered by Giovanni Batista Hodierna before 1654. Its brightest star is Tau Canis Majoris, and therefore it is sometimes called the Tau Canis Majoris Cluster. NGC 2362 has a distance of 1.48 kpc and is a relatively young 4–5 million years in age. It is a massive open cluster, with more than 500 solar masses.[4] The cluster is in relation with the giant nebula Sh2-310, that lies at the same distance.[2]

References

  1. 1 2 "NGC 2362 -- Open (galactic) Cluster". SIMBAD. Centre de Données astronomiques de Strasbourg. Retrieved 2010-03-07.
  2. 1 2 Lada, C. J.; Reid, M. J. (January 1978). "CO observations of a molecular cloud complex associated with the bright rim near VY Canis Majoris". Astrophysical Journal. 219: 95–97, 99–104. Bibcode:1978ApJ...219...95L. doi:10.1086/155758.
  3. 1 2 "NGC 2362". SEDS Online NGC Catalogue. Retrieved 2010-12-04.
  4. Currie, Thayne; et al. (June 2009). "The Last Gasp of Gas Giant Planet Formation: A Spitzer Study of the 5 Myr Old Cluster NGC 2362". The Astrophysical Journal. 698 (1): 1–27. arXiv:0903.2666Freely accessible. Bibcode:2009ApJ...698....1C. doi:10.1088/0004-637X/698/1/1.

Coordinates: 07h 18.8m 00s, −24° 57′ 00″

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