This Week in Astronomy with Dave Eicher: Open cluster NGC 6231

This beautiful object is worth a look through a telescope even if you haven’t heard of it.
By | Published: July 21, 2025

Open cluster NGC 6231 is part of a complex of objects in the southern part of the constellation Scorpius sometimes called the False Comet. Credit: Giovanni Tumino

Key Takeaways:

  • NGC 6231 is the sky's sixth-brightest open star cluster.
  • It's located in the Scorpius constellation.
  • Amateur astronomers call it the "Northern Jewel Box."
  • Binoculars or a small telescope provide the best view.
Key takeaways sponsored by The Space Store
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In this episode, 
Astronomy
 magazine Editor Dave Eicher invites you to head out and observe the sky’s sixth-brightest open cluster, NGC 6231, in the constellation Scorpius the Scorpion. This object has been dubbed by amateur astronomers the “Northern Jewel Box.” Although sharp-eyed observers may pick this up with their naked eyes, its swarms of stars look best through binoculars or a small telescope. Good luck!

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