Open Cluster · Cassiopeia

C10 NGC 663

Magnitude
7.1
Season
Autumn
Difficulty
Easy
Planner
Star-hop chart
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10.0° vertical field
RA 01h 46m 01sDec +61.25°0° · N/E orientation
Imaging reference
NGC 663 (C10) Open Cluster

Observer's guide

About NGC 663

NGC 663 (C10) is catalogued as an open cluster in Cassiopeia. Its J2000 position is RA 01:46:01, Dec +61:14:58, corresponding to 26.5875 degrees RA and 61.2117 degrees Dec. The local catalogue places it about 7,200 light-years away. Its referenced angular extent is approximately 18 by 18 arcminutes.

Observing tips

This is rated as an easy target at magnitude 7.1. It is associated with autumn observing, with midnight placement typically strongest around October. From 52 degrees north its theoretical meridian altitude is about 80.8 degrees; local horizons and the live altitude chart determine the practical window.

A small telescope under reasonably dark skies is a good starting point; use the live altitude chart to choose its highest point.

What to expect

The SIMBAD classification for the matched source is OpC. A published radial velocity value is -32.3 km/s. The SIMBAD record currently connects it to 269 bibliographic references.

At roughly 18 arcminutes across, it benefits from a narrower field and adequate image scale. Use the listed 18 by 18 arcminute extent to check framing, and treat catalogue magnitude as integrated brightness rather than a direct measure of visual contrast.

Sourced catalogue data

Scientific record

Coordinates (J2000/ICRS)
RA 26.5875° · Dec 61.211667°
SIMBAD classification
OpC
Angular extent
18′ × 18′
Position angle
0°
Radial velocity
-32.3 km/s
Redshift
-0.00010774
Linked bibliography
269 references
Best midnight placement
October
Observable latitude range
-28.8° to 90°

Source: SIMBAD ↗

24-hour altitude profile

Photographic sky survey