NGC 2266

NGC 2266
SDSS (Sloan Digital Sky Survey) image
Observation data (J2000 epoch)
Right ascension06h 43m 19.7s[1]
Declination+26° 58′ 34″[1]
Distance10,603 ly (3,251.0 pc)[2]
Apparent magnitude (V)9.5[3]
Apparent dimensions (V)5.0′[3]
Physical characteristics
Radius16.1 ly
Estimated age81.2 Myr[2]
Other designationsNGC 2266, Cr 113, Mel 50, Lund 250[4]
Associations
ConstellationGemini
See also: Open cluster, List of open clusters

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]

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]

  1. ^ a b Cite error: The named reference Tarricq_et_al_2021 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  2. ^ a b c Cite error: The named reference Poggio_et_al_2021 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  3. ^ a b c Cite error: The named reference O'Meara_2007 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  4. ^ Cite error: The named reference SIMBAD was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  5. ^ Cite error: The named reference WEBDA was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  6. ^ Cite error: The named reference cseligman was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  7. ^ a b Cite error: The named reference Kaluzny_Mazur_1991 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  8. ^ a b Cite error: The named reference Maciejewski_et_al_2008 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  9. ^ Cite error: The named reference Carrera_2012 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  10. ^ Cite error: The named reference Rain_et_al_2021 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).