Another beauty is, of course, the Pleiaides, found in
Taurus. hat too is low in the western sky across
Canada through spring.
here are also three wonderful open clusters in the
constellation Auriga: M36, M37 and M38. (Fig. 4)
All of these are open star clusters, and a pair of binoculars
will reveal all of them in their magniicence.
M36 — the Pinwheel Cluster — contains roughly 60 stars.
M37 — also known as the Salt and Pepper Cluster —
has about 500 known stars.
M38 — otherwise known as the Starish Cluster —
contains about 100 stars, and is a little more challenging
to see, but is worth the search. Binoculars will provide
a stellar view (pun intended!), whereas a small telescope
of four inches or larger really brings the cluster out.
So, while it’s enjoyable to seek out galaxies and other
deep-sky objects, don’t forget to chase those clusters.
You can really get lost in all those stars. •
CHARTS BY GLENN LEDREW
3 4
SKYNEWS • MAR/APR 2020