Pinwheel Cluster

Pierre Moutounet-Cartan
Mar 1
1 min read

#Messier36, #NGC1960, and #PMC24

About this object

Messier 36 (M36), also known as the Pinwheel Cluster, is a dazzling open star cluster located in the constellation Auriga, offering amateur astronomers a stunning sight in the winter sky. Discovered by Giovanni Batista Hodierna before 1654 and later independently re-discovered by Guillaume Le Gentil and Charles Messier, M36 is one of three prominent clusters in Auriga, alongside M37 and M38. Located approximately 3,800 to 4,340 light-years from Earth, this young cluster is estimated to be around 22–26 million years old, making it a stellar nursery compared to its older neighbors. Spanning about 10 arcminutes in the sky, M36 contains over 170 stars, with 10 of them shining brighter than magnitude 10, creating a sparkling, pinwheel-like appearance. The cluster’s core radius is 3.2 arcminutes, and its total mass is roughly 746 times that of the Sun. Interestingly, M36 is often compared to the Pleiades (M45), as it would appear similarly bright if placed at the same distance. Adding to its intrigue, a young stellar object nicknamed "Holoea" (Hawaiian for "flowing gas") has been observed near M36, though it likely belongs to the more distant S235 region. With its youthful stars and striking appearance, M36 is a must-see for anyone exploring the wonders of open clusters.