✨ M38 (Starfish Cluster)
Object data
| Type | Open cluster |
|---|---|
| Constellation | Auriga |
| Right ascension | 5h28m41.9s (82.1745°) |
| Declination | +35°51'18" (+35.8550°) |
| Magnitude | mag 7.4 |
| Apparent size | 21′ |
| Other designations | NGC 1912 |
An open cluster in Auriga whose stars form a cross or a Greek letter pi.
Midnight transit date (best season to observe and image)
Location: Tokyo (change)
The date it transits around midnight (transit altitude about 90°)
For about 2–3 weeks either side of this date, the object stays high from evening to dawn — its observing season.
Best time to observe tonight
Tonight (Oct 12 evening – Oct 13 dawn) · Location: Tokyo (full darkness = end of astronomical dusk to start of dawn, altitude ≥ 15°)
Moon tonight: Waxing crescent (age 1.1 days, 1% illuminated) — Little moonlight — a good time for faint objects
Hours of full darkness (end of astronomical dusk to start of dawn) when it is above 15° — the darkest sky, mostly clear of buildings and trees.
Sunset 17:10 → Dusk 18:35 → Dawn 4:20 → Sunrise 5:45