                        Astronomy Picture of the Day

    Discover the cosmos! Each day a different image or photograph of our
      fascinating universe is featured, along with a brief explanation
                    written by a professional astronomer.

                              2022 November 22
   The featured image shows two clusters of blue stars placed next to each
      other. Please see the explanation for more detailed information.

                      A Double Star Cluster in Perseus
                    Image Credit & Copyright: Tommy Lease

   Explanation: Few star clusters this close to each other. Visible to the
   unaided eye from dark sky areas, it was cataloged in 130 BC by Greek
   astronomer Hipparchus. Some 7,000 light-years away, this pair of open
   star clusters is also an easy binocular target, a striking starfield in
   the northern constellation of the mythical Greek hero Perseus. Now
   known as h and chi Persei, or NGC 869 (above right) and NGC 884, the
   clusters themselves are separated by only a few hundred light-years and
   contain stars much younger and hotter than the Sun. In addition to
   being physically close together, the clusters' ages based on their
   individual stars are similar - evidence that both clusters were likely
   a product of the same star-forming region.

                       Tomorrow's picture: open space
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       Authors & editors: Robert Nemiroff (MTU) & Jerry Bonnell (UMCP)
            NASA Official: Phillip Newman Specific rights apply.
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