NGC 2266
Open cluster in the constellation Gemini
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
NGC 2266 is an open cluster[5] of stars in the constellation of Gemini. It was discovered by German-British astronomer William Herschel on 7 December 1785.[6] This is a relatively dim cluster with an integrated visual magnitude of 9.5 and an angular size of 5.0′. The stellar members can be readily resolved with an amateur telescope.[3] NGC 2266 is located at a distance of 10,603 ly (3,251.0 pc) from the Sun.[2] It is located close to the opposite part of the sky from the Galactic Center, or the anti-center.[7]
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| NGC 2266 | |
|---|---|
SDSS (Sloan Digital Sky Survey) image | |
| Observation data (J2000 epoch) | |
| Right ascension | 06h 43m 19.7s[1] |
| Declination | +26° 58′ 34″[1] |
| Distance | 10,603 ly (3,251.0 pc)[2] |
| Apparent magnitude (V) | 9.5[3] |
| Apparent dimensions (V) | 5.0′[3] |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Radius | 16.1 ly |
| Estimated age | 81.2 Myr[2] |
| Other designations | NGC 2266, Cr 113, Mel 50, Lund 250[4] |
| Associations | |
| Constellation | Gemini |
This is a rich cluster that is well condensed.[8] It is of intermediate age; similar to the ages of the Hyades and Praesepe clusters. However, it has a lower metallicity than either cluster.[7] NGC 2266 has a heliocentric radial velocity of −16±15 km/s.[9] A 2008 study found 12 variable stars in the field of this cluster, although they lie outside the cluster radius.[8] A single candidate blue straggler has been identified.[10]
