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Southern Pleiades (IC 2602)
open cluster in Carina
The Southern Pleiades is a bright, young open cluster in Carina, centered on the bright star Theta Carinae. It spans about 100 arcminutes. It makes a fine widefield subject, and a southern counterpart to the Pleiades.
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// Key facts
- Catalog
- IC 2602
- Also known as
- C 102, Caldwell 102, Theta Carinae Cluster
- Type
- open cluster
- Constellation
- Carina
- Size
- 1.7° across
- Brightness
- Magnitude 1.9
- Distance
- about 500 light-years
- Peak month (any location)
- Mar
- Typical prime months
- Dec to May
- Difficulty
- Beginner
- Filter
- No filter (broadband)
Pick a saved location or share your device location. Your coordinates are used only to calculate tonight and are not stored. To save locations, use the planner.
How to image Southern Pleiades
- Use 200 to 400 mm to include the whole cluster.
- No filter is needed; capture star colors with short exposures.
- It never rises north of about 26 degrees north, so it is a target for southern observers.
Framing: what focal length?
The focal length at which IC 2602 spans about 60% of the long side of the sensor, leaving room around it. Treat it as a starting point; the right framing is a matter of taste.
| Sensor | Focal length |
|---|---|
| 1-inch sensor (13.2 mm) | about 270 mm |
| APS-C (23.5 mm) | about 480 mm |
| Full frame (36 mm) | about 740 mm |
How high does it climb from your latitude?
The highest point IC 2602 reaches in the sky. Above about 60° is excellent, 30° to 60° is workable, and under 30° you are looking through a lot of air.
| Latitude | Highest point | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 55°N (Scotland, Alaska) | below horizon | Never rises |
| 45°N (Minneapolis, Milan) | below horizon | Never rises |
| 35°N (Los Angeles, Tokyo) | below horizon | Never rises |
| 25°N (Miami, Cairo) | 1° | Stays low |
| 35°S (Sydney, Santiago) | 61° | High in the sky |
Also worth imaging
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