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On this page I collect my observations of the open star clusters NGC 663, NGC 654, and NGC 659 in the constellation Casiopeia.
The open star cluster NGC 663 in the constellation Cassiopeia is close to the open star cluster NGC 654, and, according to Stoyan, it is interesting to observe both, jointly or alternately, depending on the telescope. In the telescope, I only found NGC 663 and saw a lot of small stars and star pairs. Furthermore, the open star cluster NGC 659 is close to NGC 663 (on the opposite side).
NGC 663 is part of the OB association Cassiopeia OB8, to which, among others, NGC 654 and M 103 belong. NGC 663 is considered to be the most massive star cluster and core of Cassiopeia OB8.
With the Vespera, I was able to see NGC 663, NGC 659, NGC 654 and M 103 in the same field of view.
| NGC 663 | NGC 659 | NGC 654 | M 103 | |||
| Size: 15' (Stoyan) Distance: 6,400 light years (Stoyan) Rating: ** (Stoyan) |
Size: 5' (SkySafari) Distance: 6,300 light years (SkySafari) Rating: --- |
Size: 5' x 3' (Stoyan) Distance: 9,500 light years (Stoyan) Rating: * (Stoyan) |
Size: 6' (Stoyan) Distance: 7,200 light years (Stoyan) Rating: *** (Stoyan) |
NGC 663 close to NGC 654 (and to NGC 659, not shown) and to the left of M 103 and NGC 457 (Owl Cluster). 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)
Find: The open star cluster NGC 663 is located somewhat below and nearly at the middle of the connecting line between the two stars Segin und Ruchbah in constellation Cassiopeia. It forms an obtuse triangle with these two stars.
Identify: NGC 663 in the constellation Cassiopeia is quite difficult for me to identify, although not as difficult as M 103 or even NGC 654. After all, it is the only open star cluster in the area that strikes me with a certain collection of stars.
Find: The open star cluster NGC 654 is located a little bit below the connecting line between the two stars Segin und Ruchbah in constellation Cassiopeia. Seen from Segin, the star to the left, NGC 654 is located at about 1/3 of the total distance. It is also not far from the open cluster NGC 663, but closer to the connecting line than NGC 663.
Identify: The open star cluster NGC 654 in the constellation Cassiopeia is very hard to identify for me (to the right, there is M 103). Typically, I do not find this cluster at all.
Below is the view in SkySafari, NGC 663 together with NGC 654:
(Images Courtesy of SkySafari Astronomy, www.simulationcurriculum.com)
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NGC 663 - Sep 7, 2020 |
NGC 663 - Oct 19, 2020 |
NGC 663 - Oct 19, 2020 |
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NGC 663 - Sep 7, 2020, photo on top processed |
NGC 663 - Oct 19, 2020, photo on top processed |
NGC 663 - Oct 19, 2020, photo on top processed |
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NGC 663 - Nov 24, 2022 |
NGC 663 - Nov 24, 2022, photo left processed |
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NGC 663ff, Nov 1, 2022 - original (365 frames = 3650 seconds), mosaic |
Evaluation by astrometry.org |
NGC 654 never found...
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NGC 663 - Feb 5, 2020 |
NGC 663 - Feb 6, 2020 | |||
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NGC 663 - Feb 15, 2020, processed |
NGC 663 - Feb 15, 2020 |
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NGC 663 - Sep 7, 2020 |
NGC 663 - Oct 19, 2020 |
NGC 663 - Oct 19, 2020 |
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NGC 663 - Sep 7, 2020, photo on top processed |
NGC 663 - Oct 19, 2020, photo on top processed |
NGC 663 - Oct 19, 2020, photo on top processed |
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NGC 663 - Nov 24, 2022 |
NGC 663 - Nov 24, 2022, photo left processed |
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NGC 663ff, Nov 1, 2022 - original (365 frames = 3650 seconds) |
Evaluation by astrometry.org |