Salt & Pepper Cluster
- Pierre Moutounet-Cartan
- Mar 16
- 1 min read
#Messier37, #NGC2099 and #PMC35
About this object
Messier 37 (M37), also known as the Salt and Pepper Cluster, is one of the most stunning open clusters in the night sky, located in the constellation Auriga. Discovered by Giovanni Batista Hodierna before 1654 and later cataloged by Charles Messier in 1764, this cluster is the brightest and richest of the three prominent Auriga clusters (M36, M37, and M38). Located approximately 4,500 light-years from Earth, M37 spans about 24 light-years and contains over 500 stars, with around 150 stars brighter than magnitude 12.5, creating a dazzling "salt and pepper" effect of bright and faint stars. The cluster is estimated to be around 400–550 million years old, making it significantly older than its neighbors, and its population includes several red giants and numerous main-sequence stars. One of its most striking features is its dense core, which glows brightly against the backdrop of fainter stars. M37 also boasts a high number of binary star systems, adding to its scientific interest. For amateur astronomers, this cluster is a breathtaking sight through binoculars or telescopes, offering a rich field of stars and a glimpse into the dynamic evolution of stellar clusters. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced observer, M37 is a must-see gem in the winter sky.
Designations
Standardized Catalogues
PMC Observatory Catalogue
Observations
2025-03-16 at around 08:15 pm +00:00
Photographs
