Open Cluster · Auriga

M38 NGC 1912

Magnitude
7.4
Season
Winter
Difficulty
Easy
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M380.0° field0° rotation
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Imaging reference
NGC 1912 (M38) Open Cluster

Observer's guide

About NGC 1912

NGC 1912 (M38) is catalogued as an open cluster in Auriga. Its J2000 position is RA 05:28:42.49, Dec +35:51:17.7, corresponding to 82.1671 degrees RA and 35.8239 degrees Dec. The local catalogue places it about 4,200 light-years away. Its referenced angular extent is approximately 19.6 by 19.6 arcminutes.

Observing tips

StarWatchr rates this as an easy target at magnitude 7.4. It is associated with winter observing, with midnight placement typically strongest around December. From 52 degrees north its theoretical meridian altitude is about 73.8 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 -1.3 km/s. The SIMBAD record currently connects it to 190 bibliographic references.

At roughly 19.6 arcminutes across, it benefits from a narrower field and adequate image scale. Use the listed 19.6 by 19.6 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

Measurements for M38 are kept separate from practical observing guidance.

Coordinates (J2000/ICRS)
RA 82.167083° · Dec 35.823889°
SIMBAD classification
OpC
Angular extent
19.6′ × 19.6′
Position angle
Radial velocity
-1.26 km/s
Redshift
-0.00000421
Linked bibliography
190 references
Best midnight placement
December
Observable latitude range
-54.2° to 90°

Source: SIMBAD astronomical database (CDS, Strasbourg) (ODbL; checked 2026-08-09). Catalogue values may change when new measurements are published.

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