M52 (NGC 7654)
M52. Image credit: NOAO/AURA/NSF.
M52 (NGC 7654) is a young open cluster (Trumpler type I, 2, r) in the constellation Cassiopeia that can easily be seen with binoculars. Its age has been estimated as 35 million years. NGC 7654 was discovered by Charles Messier in 1774. The bright, yellow-looking star a little right of center in the accompanying photo does not belong to the cluster. The Bubble Nebula lies nearby.
| visual magnitude | 7.3 |
| angular size | 13" |
| linear diameter | 19 light-years |
| distance | 5,000 light-years (1,500 pc) |
| position | RA 23h 24.8m, Dec -61° 35' |
| other designations | C 2322+613, OCISM 57, OCl 260.0 |
