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Coma Star Cluster (Mel 111)
open cluster in Coma Berenices
The Coma Star Cluster is a large, sparse open cluster in Coma Berenices, spread across about four and a half degrees. It is a naked-eye object, and best for wide lenses.
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// Key facts
- Catalog
- Mel 111
- Also known as
- Melotte 111
- Type
- open cluster
- Constellation
- Coma Berenices
- Size
- 4.6° across
- Brightness
- Magnitude 1.8
- Distance
- about 290 light-years
- Peak month (any location)
- Mar
- Typical prime months
- Jan to Jun
- 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 Coma Star Cluster
- Use 50 to 135 mm; it spans more than 4 degrees.
- No filter is needed.
- It sits in the same part of the sky as many spring galaxies.
Framing: what focal length?
The focal length at which Mel 111 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 100 mm |
| APS-C (23.5 mm) | about 180 mm |
| Full frame (36 mm) | about 270 mm |
How high does it climb from your latitude?
The highest point Mel 111 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) | 61° | High in the sky |
| 45°N (Minneapolis, Milan) | 71° | High in the sky |
| 35°N (Los Angeles, Tokyo) | 81° | High in the sky |
| 25°N (Miami, Cairo) | 89° | High in the sky |
| 35°S (Sydney, Santiago) | 29° | Stays low |
Also worth imaging
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