M37

Credits: Keith Turnecliff, Long Itchington

Messier 37 (M37) is an open cluster in the constellation Auriga. It has the designation NGC 2099 in the New General Catalogue.
Messier 37 is the brightest, richest and largest of the three open clusters in this constellation that were catalogued by Messier. The cluster has an apparent magnitude of 6.2 and lies at a distance of 4,511 light years from Earth.

Facts about M37 by Keith Turnecliff

In 10×50 binoculars, M37 appears as a hazy patch of light, but 20×80 and larger binoculars reveal a very compact star cluster, resolving the brightest stars. Small telescopes will show a dozen brightest stars, while 8-inch and larger instruments reveal several hundred stars in the cluster. The best time of year to observe Messier 37 is in the months of December, January and February.