Messier 39 - Cygnus

M39 - - en la IA

Messier 39 (M39), also known as NGC 7092, is an open cluster in the constellation Cygnus. Here's a summary of its key characteristics:

• Type: Open Cluster
• Constellation: Cygnus
• Distance: Approximately 825 light-years (253 parsecs)
• Apparent Magnitude: 4.6 (fairly bright and visible to the naked eye under good conditions)
• Diameter: Around 7 light-years
• Age: Estimated to be between 200 and 300 million years old
• Number of Stars: Contains around 30 member stars that are significantly brighter than the surrounding field stars.
• Notable Features:
  • M39 is a relatively loose and sparse open cluster.
  • It is easily found in binoculars or a small telescope.
  • The brightest star in M39 is a magnitude 6.8 white star.

How to Find It:

1. Locate the constellation Cygnus, also known as the Northern Cross.
2. Look for Deneb, the brightest star in Cygnus and one of the vertices of the Summer Triangle.
3. M39 is located approximately 9 degrees east and slightly south of Deneb. Scan that area with binoculars or a telescope.

Observing Tips:

• M39 is best observed with binoculars or a small telescope under dark skies away from light pollution.
• A low-power eyepiece will give you a wider field of view, making it easier to see the entire cluster.
• Look for the triangular shape formed by the brighter stars in the cluster.

Messier 39 is a rewarding object for amateur astronomers, providing a pleasant view of a loosely bound collection of stars against the backdrop of the Milky Way.