Alpha Persei Cluster

Overview

The Alpha Persei Cluster (Melotte 20) is a bright open star cluster located in the constellation Perseus, approximately 560 light-years from Earth. It surrounds the bright star Alpha Persei (Mirfak), the cluster’s most prominent member. This young cluster, estimated to be around 50 million years old, contains many hot, blue-white stars of spectral types B and A, which are visible to the naked eye under dark skies.

Spanning about 70 light-years, the Alpha Persei Cluster is spread across a wide area of the sky, making it an excellent target for binoculars or wide-field telescopes. It is part of the larger Perseus OB3 association and provides astronomers with insights into the early stages of stellar evolution. Its proximity, brightness, and striking arrangement of stars make it a popular and rewarding sight for stargazers.

This project has a total integration time of 32.8 hrs.