Celestial hemisphere:  Northern  ·  Constellation: Perseus (Per)  ·  Contains:  M 34  ·  NGC 1039
M34 - Open Star Cluster in Perseus, kerrywaz1
M34 - Open Star Cluster in Perseus
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M34 - Open Star Cluster in Perseus

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Description

Messier 34 (also known as M 34 or NGC 1039) is an open cluster in the constellation Perseus. This cluster is located at a distance of about 470 parsecs, or 1,500 light years. M34 contains an estimated 400 members. The cluster is just visible to the naked eye in very dark conditions, well away from city lights. It is possible to see it in binoculars when light pollution is limited.

The age of this cluster is estimated to be 200–250 million years. This is roughly the age at which stars with 0.5 solar masses enter the main sequence. By comparison, stars like the Sun enter the main sequence after 30 million years.

At least 19 members of this cluster are white dwarfs. These are stellar remnants of progenitor stars of up to eight solar masses that have evolved through the main sequence and are no longer engaged in thermonuclear fusion to generate energy.

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M34 - Open Star Cluster in Perseus, kerrywaz1