NGC 6231

NGC 6231
Observation data (J2000.0 epoch)
Constellation Scorpius
Right ascension 16h 54m
Declination −41° 48′
Distance 5.9 kly
Apparent magnitude (V) 2.6
Apparent dimensions (V) 15.0′
Physical characteristics
Estimated age 3.2 million years
Other designations NGC 6171, Ha. I.7, De Cheseaux 9, Lacaille II.13
Dunlop 499, Melotte 153, Collinder 315, Caldwell 76
Map showing the location of NGC 6231

NGC 6231 is an open cluster located near Zeta Scorpii. Zeta1 (HR 6262) is a member of this star cluster. (Its brighter apparent partner, Zeta2 (HR 6271), is only 150 ly from Earth and so is not a cluster member.)

This cluster is estimated about 3.2 million years old, and is approaching the Solar System at 22 km/s. The cluster belongs to the young Scorpius OB1 association. Zeta1 Scorpii (spectral type O8 and magnitude 4.71.[1]) is the brightest star in the association, and one of the most radiant stars known in the galaxy.[2]

NGC 6231 also includes three Wolf-Rayet stars: HD 151932, HD 152270,[3] and HD 152408.[4]

The cluster was discovered by Giovanni Batista Hodierna before 1654. Hodierna listed it as Luminosae[5] in his catalogue of deep sky observations. This catalogue was included in his book De Admirandis Coeli Characteribuse published in 1654 at Palermo. It was independently observed by other astronomers after Hodierna.

The cluster forms the head of the "false comet", the tail being the dimmer cluster Trumpler 24 extending to the north, also part of the Scorpius OB1 association.

See also

Notes

  1. ↑ Sky Catalogue 2000.0
  2. ↑ Crossen & Tirion, Binocular Astronomy, p. 119.
  3. ↑ Study of the Wolf-Rayet members of the cluster NGC 6231
  4. ↑ The distinction between OIafpe and WNLha stars. A spectral analysis of HD 151804, HD 152408 and HDE 313846.
  5. ↑ Stars visible to the naked eye. It meanings "luminous" in Latin.

Coordinates: 16h 54m 00s, −41° 48′ 00″

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