NGC 4609

NGC 4609
NGC 4609 (taken from Stellarium)
Observation data (J2000 epoch)
Right ascension12h 42m 19.7s[1]
Declination−62° 59′ 42″[1]
Distance4,500 ly (1,379 pc)[1]
Apparent magnitude (V)6.9[2]
Apparent dimensions (V)6.5′.[1]
Physical characteristics
Estimated age83.2 Myr[1]
Other designationsNGC 4609, Caldwell 98, Cr 263[3]
Associations
ConstellationCrux
See also: Open cluster, List of open clusters
Map showing the location of NGC 4609

NGC 4609 (also known as Caldwell 98) is an open cluster of stars in the southern constellation of Crux. It was discovered on May 12, 1826 by the Scottish astronomer James Dunlop.[4] The cluster has an apparent visual magnitude of 6.9[2] and spans an angular size of 6.5′.[1] It is situated beyond the Coalsack Nebula[5] at an estimated distance of 4,500 ly (1,379 pc) from the Sun.[1]

This is an intermediate age cluster[6] estimated at 83.2 Myr old.[1] It is a poorly populated cluster with just one red giant member. 33 probable members have been identified,[7] including the variable Be star BZ Crucis.[8] The metallicity of the cluster, as measured by the abundance of iron, is slightly larger than in the Sun.[7]

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h Cite error: The named reference Tarricq_et_al_2021 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  2. ^ a b Cite error: The named reference Streicher_2003 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  3. ^ Cite error: The named reference SIMBAD was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  4. ^ Cite error: The named reference CSeligman was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  5. ^ Cite error: The named reference Feinstein_Marraco_1971 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  6. ^ Cite error: The named reference Kook_et_al_2010 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  7. ^ a b Cite error: The named reference Drazdauskas_et_al_2016 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  8. ^ Cite error: The named reference Smith_Balona_2006 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).