NGC 2659

NGC 2659
Observation data (J2000 epoch)
Right ascension08h 42m 36s[1]
Declination−44° 59′ 00″[1]
Distance5,580 ly (1,713 pc[2])
Apparent magnitude (V)8.6 [1]
Apparent dimensions (V)2.7'
Physical characteristics
Estimated age7.8 million years[2]
Other designationsCr 194, VDBH 46
Associations
ConstellationVela
See also: Open cluster, List of open clusters

NGC 2659 is an open cluster in the constellation Vela. It was discovered by John Herschel on 3 February, 1835. It is of Trumpler class III3m. It is a young cluster, with age nearly 8 million years. The core of the cluster is 1.93 parsec (6.3 light years) across and the total radius is 3.6 pc (11.7 light years). The total number of stars that belong to the cluster is estimated to be 1,801 ± 608 stars and the total mass 857 ± 237 M☉.[3] Among its members, one is a Be star, with four more possible Be stars.[4]

References

  1. ^ a b c "NGC 2659". SIMBAD. Centre de données astronomiques de Strasbourg. Retrieved 2015-06-19.
  2. ^ a b WEBDA: NGC 2659
  3. ^ Santos-Silva, T.; Gregorio-Hetem, J. (6 November 2012). "Characterisation of young stellar clusters". Astronomy & Astrophysics. 547: A107. arXiv:1209.1585. Bibcode:2012A&A...547A.107S. doi:10.1051/0004-6361/201219695. S2CID 119213441.
  4. ^ McSwain, M. Virginia; Gies, Douglas R. (November 2005). "The Evolutionary Status of Be Stars: Results from a Photometric Study of Southern Open Clusters". The Astrophysical Journal Supplement Series. 161 (1): 118–146. arXiv:astro-ph/0505032. Bibcode:2005ApJS..161..118M. doi:10.1086/432757. S2CID 14498164.