The Perseus Double Cluster is a duo of star clusters located 7,100 and 7,400 lightyears away, but which appear right next to each other in the night sky.
The two clusters are h Persei, known as NGC 869, and chi Persei, known as NGC 884. They are 5.6 million years old and 3.6 million years old, respectively.
The Double Cluster in Perseus by Steve Loveridge, Wellington, Somerset, UK. Equipment: Modified Canon EOS 1000d, Astronomik CLS CCD filter, William Optics ZS70, Flattener III, HEQ5 Pro, EQMOD, 100mm guide, QHY5v CCD, PhD.
How to see the Perseus Double Cluster
You can find the Perseus Double Cluster in the night sky in the Perseus constellation, about halfway between star Mirfak and the famous W-shaped constellation of Cassiopeia.
Under dark conditions, you should be able to see the Perseus Double Cluster fairly easily in the night sky (it's one of our favourite star clusters to see with the naked eye), but a look through binoculars or a small telescope will provide an even better view.
If you're viewing in the northern hemisphere, the good news is that the double cluster is circumpolar, meaning it can be seen above the horizon at night all year long.
Below is a selection of images of the Perseus Double Cluster captured by astrophotographers and BBC Sky at Night Magazine readers.
