Six open clusters in Canis Major

February 2–9, 2012: Open clusters NGC 2345, NGC 2354, NGC 2367, NGC 2374, NGC 2383, and NGC 2384 are all visible through small telescopes, and all lie in the same constellation — Canis Major.

By Michael E. Bakich

Published: February 2, 2012

Mid-winter in the Northern Hemisphere is a great time to catch up on some seldom-observed open star clusters. This week’s sextet lies within the boundaries of the constellation Canis Major the Great Dog.

Photo by Astronomy: Roen Kelly

Each week, Astronomy magazine Senior Editor Michael E. Bakich, a master at explaining how to observe, posts a podcast about three or more objects or events you can see in the sky.

Targets for February 2–9, 2012
Small telescope: Open clusters NGC 2345, NGC 2354, NGC 2367, NGC 2374, NGC 2383, and NGC 2384 in Canis Major

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