M34

open cluster · Perseus · 5.2ᵐ

A Messier catalogue object — open cluster in Perseus.

Notable facts

About 1 the apparent diameter of the Moon.

In brief

Which constellation is M34 in?

M34 lies in Perseus.

Is M34 visible to the naked eye?

5.2ᵐ — visible to the naked eye (under dark skies).

When is the best time to observe M34?

Best observed in October.

Data

RA / Dec (J2000)
2h 42m · +42° 47′
Type
open cluster
Constellation
Perseus
How to observe
5.2ᵐ — visible to the naked eye (under dark skies)
Angular size
35′
Designation
M34 · NGC 1039

Observing tip

Best in binoculars or a telescope at low power, so the whole cluster fits in the field of view.

Altitude above the horizon by latitude

LatitudeMaximum altitudeRise azimuth
+60°73° · never sets
+55°78° · never sets
+45°88°16°
+30°77°38°
47°47°
−35°12°34°

Geometric altitude at upper culmination, atmospheric refraction not included. Positive latitudes are in the northern hemisphere.

Culmination time by month

MonthCulmination
January18:56
February16:49
March15:04
April13:11
May11:16
June09:10
July07:06
August05:05
September03:12
October01:23
November23:23
December21:14

Upper culmination in local solar time — no time-zone or daylight-saving correction applied.

Nearby in the sky

Other objects in this constellation