NGC 2362

Alt. Designations:

NGC 2362

Object Type:

open cluster

Constellation:

Canis Major

Distance:

4.8 kly

Right Ascension:

07h 18m 41.4s

Declination:

-24° 57´ 15"

Visual Magnitude:

3.8

Apparent Dimension:

6.0´ Dia.

Best Month To View:

Dec

Also known as the Tau Canis Majoris cluster, because its bright central star Tau Canis Majoris (4.39) which contains from 40 to 50 solar masses. The star is a luminous supergiant. The cluster contains about 60 stars and it is 25 million years in age.