NGC 457

Introduction | Map | Sketch | My Own Photos | My Own Observations | References

On this page I collect my observations of the open star cluster NGC 457 (Owl Cluster, E.T. Cluster) in the constellation Cassiopeia.

 

Introduction

The open star cluster NGC 457 in the constellation Cassiopeia got its name Owl Cluster due to its characteristic shape; it is also called E.T. Cluster. This object is fairly small und I need a telescope to see it. Using binoculars, I see only the brightest star, that is, one of the eyes, and perhaps a faint glow...

Size: 15' x 10' (Stoyan)
Distance: 7,900 light years (Stoyan)
Rating: *** (Stoyan)

 

Map

NGC 457 (Owl Cluster, E.T. cluster) is at the right edge of the star field in Cassiopeia including M 103, NGC 654, and NGC 663. For orientation purposes, the Andromeda Galaxy M 31 is included in the map, as well as the Perseus Double Cluster NGC 884/869 and above it St 2, which, according to Stoyan, is a "must" for small telescopes. (Image Courtesy of SkySafari Astronomy, www.simulationcurriculum.com)

 

Sketch

The sketch by Michael Vlasov (DeepSkyWatch.com) provides a rough impression of what I observed in autumn 2017: Sketch of the NGC 457 Nebula by Michael Vlasov (Copyright © Michael Vlasov 2016)

Note: I only have the author's permission to link to the sketch.

 

My Own Photos

eVscope

         

NGC 457 - Feb 6, 2020

 

NGC 457 - Sep 7, 2020

 

NGC 457 - Sep 7, 2020

     
   

NGC 457 - Sep 7, 2020, processed

 

NGC 457 - Sep 7, 2020, processed

eVscope 2

    
NGC 457 - Nov 24, 2022; hazy  

NGC 457 - Nov 24, 2022, processed

Vespera

    

NGC 457, Aug 12, 2022 - original (2 frames = 20 seconds)

 

NGC 457, Aug 12, 2022 - original (30 frames = 300 seconds)

 

My Own Observations

Observations September 2017

Observations September/October 2018

Observations September/October 2019

Observations January/February 2020

Observations September 2020

Observations September 2020

Observations August to November 2022

 

References

On this Site