NGC 1039 Open Cluster
Open cluster

NGC 1039 Open Cluster

M 34 · Perseus
These photons are ~1,400 years old
UV/IR
Date
2025-09-24
Location
36.3858° N, 28.0412° E
Integration
31m (184 × 10s)
Software
ZWO Seestar app
Notes
—
Plate solve
Centre RA
2h 42m 34.8s
Centre Dec
+42° 47′ 21″
Field
42.7′ × 76.0′
Pixel scale
2.37″/px
Orientation
74.6° E of N
TelescopeZWO Seestar S50
CameraZWO Seestar S50 Camera
RigFamily Holiday Rig
Captured from · Ελλάς
36.3858° N, 28.0412° E · open map ↗

Where to find it

Interactive sky chart centred on 2 42 34.8 +42 47 21, with constellation stick figures overlaid. Locate shows the whole constellation with the target ringed; Field zooms to the close-up. Drag to pan, scroll to zoom, click any star to identify it. Imagery: DSS colour survey via CDS Aladin Lite. Constellation figures © Dominic Ford (GPLv3).

A loose, bright open cluster of around 100 stars, most of which are blue-white B-type. Easy wide-field target, best framed against the Perseus Milky Way.

Frequently asked questions

What kind of object is M 34?
M 34 is an open cluster.
Which constellation is M 34 in?
M 34 lies in the constellation Perseus.
How far away is M 34?
The light in this image left M 34 roughly ~1,400 years ago, so that is how far back in time you are seeing it.
What are the coordinates of M 34?
M 34 sits at right ascension 02h 42m 35s and declination +42° 47′ 21″ (J2000).
When is the best time to photograph M 34?
M 34 is circumpolar from around 54°N — it never sets, and rides highest (about 79° altitude) on evenings around October.
What equipment was used to photograph M 34?
This image of M 34 was captured with ZWO Seestar S50 and ZWO Seestar S50 Camera.
How much exposure time went into this image?
This image of M 34 represents 31m (184 × 10s) of total integration time.