NGC1981

Credits: Roberto Mura

NGC1981 is an overlooked small cluster of stars located just NE of M43 Mairan's Nebula, but is frequently overlooked due to its more showier neighbour.

Facts about NGC1981 by Keith Turnecliff

Some say it looks like an Alligator or Crocodile. Its eastern star as the snout, its western star as its tail and the two groups of three stars in the middle as its two set of legs.

This star chart represents a view from Long Itchington for mid-January at 10pm.
Credits: Image courtesy of Starry Night Pro Plus 8, researched and implemented by Keith Turnecliff.