NGC 2281, also known as the Broken Heart Cluster, [6] is an open cluster of stars in the northern constellation of Auriga. It was discovered by English astronomer William Herschel on March 4, 1788, and described as a, "cluster of coarsely scattered pretty [bright] stars, pretty rich". [7]

NGC 2281 is a Open Cluster in the Auriga constellation. NGC 2281 is situated north of the celestial equator and, as such, it is more easily visible from the northern hemisphere. Given its visual magnitude of 5.4, NGC 2281 is barely visible to the naked eye, easily visible with the help of a small binocular.

January 7-14, 2016: The Large Magellanic Cloud and open cluster NGC 2281 make nice targets for small-telescope owners, while the Horsehead Nebula awaits large-telescope owners. This week’s...

2020年11月7日 · NGC 2281 is an open star cluster in the constellation of Auriga. It’s best viewed during the late winter months into early spring. You see the central stars make a diamond shape.

2024年11月20日 · NGC 2281 is an open cluster 1,700 light years away in the constellation Auriga. Not as famous or rich in stars as Messier 36, 37 or 38 it still presents as a fine little cluster. Most cluster members seem around the same magnitude with several brighter stars that are either just field stars or outlying members of the cluster.

Visually, NGC 2281 is bright and despite the lack of bright signpost stars, is simple enough to find. At magnitude 5.4, it should be easily visible in a finder scope. Moderate telescopes (8”—16” aperture) will reveal two to three dozen stars, the brightest four clumping at the centre.

2024年3月29日 · NGC 2281 is a young open star cluster nestled in the Northern constellation of Auriga. This cluster was first documented by William Herschel in 1788. With its intriguing characteristics and proximity, NGC 2281 has become a point of interest for astronomers seeking to study stellar evolution and cluster dynamics.