IC 2602

IC 2602
Observation data (J2000 epoch)
Right ascension10h 42m 57.5s[1]
Declination−64° 23′ 39″
Distance486 ly[2] (149 pc)
Apparent magnitude (V)1.9[3]
Apparent dimensions (V)50 × 50
Physical characteristics
Estimated age13.7 M.yr−1
Other designationsTheta Carinae Cluster, Caldwell 102, Cr 229, Mel 102, VDBH 103[2]
Associations
ConstellationCarina
See also: Open cluster, List of open clusters

IC 2602 (also known as the Southern Pleiades, Theta Carinae Cluster, or Caldwell 102)[4] is an open cluster in the constellation Carina. Discovered by Abbe Lacaille in 1751 from South Africa,[5] the cluster is easily visible to the unaided eye, and is one of the nearest star clusters, centred about 149 parsecs (486 light-years) away from Earth.

  1. ^ "NED results for object IC 2602". National Aeronautics and Space Administration / Infrared Processing and Analysis Center. Retrieved 23 January 2017.
  2. ^ a b "IC 2602". SIMBAD. Centre de données astronomiques de Strasbourg.
  3. ^ "IC 2602 - SEDS Messier Database". Retrieved 23 January 2016.
  4. ^ O'Meara, Stephen James (2016-09-26). Deep-Sky Companions: The Caldwell Objects. Cambridge University Press. ISBN 978-1-316-03353-1.
  5. ^ Jones, K. G. (March 1969). "The search for the nebulae - VI". Journal of the British Astronomical Association. 79: 213–222. Bibcode:1969JBAA...79..213J.