NGC 659

NGC 659
NGC 659 along with IC 166, NGC 654, and NGC 663
Observation data (J2000.0 epoch)
Right ascension01h 44m 04s
Declination+60° 40′
Distance8.2 kly
Apparent magnitude (V)7.9
Apparent dimensions (V)6.0′
Physical characteristics
Mass105 to 106 M☉
Radius7.5
Estimated age20my
Other designationsNGC 659, Cr 19, OCL 332
Associations
ConstellationCassiopeia
See also: Open cluster, List of open clusters
Map showing the location of NGC 659

NGC 659, also known as the Yin-Yang Cluster, is an open cluster in the constellation Cassiopeia. It was discovered by Caroline Herschel in 1783. It was later described by William Herschel as "A beautiful cluster of pretty large stars near 15' diameter considerably rich". It is located in the sky almost directly next to NGC 663.

References

  1. 1 2 3 "NGC 659 – Open (galactic) Cluster". Simbad. Retrieved 27 July 2015.
  2. 1 2 3 4 O'Meara, Stephen James (2007). Deep-Sky Companions: Hidden Treasures. Cambridge University Press. p. 48. ISBN 9780521837040.
  3. ↑ Seligman, Courtney. "Celestial Atlas: NGC Objects: NGC 650 – 699". cseligman.com. Archived from the original on 4 November 2015. Retrieved 27 July 2015.
  4. ↑ Bakich, Michael E. (13 November 2014). "The Yin-Yang Cluster (NGC 659), open cluster NGC 559, and barred spiral galaxy NGC 672". Astronomy.com. Retrieved 15 July 2026.
  5. ↑ "Open Clusters NGC 659 & NGC 663 | Deep⋆Sky Corner". Deepskycorner.ch. Retrieved 15 July 2026.