This spectacular open cluster appears in the constellation Gemini, named for the twins Castor and Pollux from Greek mythology. The cluster can be found easily with binoculars or a small telescope by sweeping near the three "foot stars," Eta, Mu and Nu Geminorum. This cluster was first noted by the French astronomer Phillippe Loys de Cheseaux as early as 1745, and was added to Messier's catalog about 20 years later. Astronomers estimate M35 to be about 110 million years old; the cluster contains between 200 and 500 stars and is about 2,800 light years away.
The image below captures not only M35, but also the smaller cluster NGC 2158 (lower middle of frame), a significantly more compact cluster thought to be about a million years old and about 16,000 light years distant.
This image is comprised of six, 180-second subexposures, for a total exposure time of 18 minutes.
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