IC 2391 (OC)
Open Cluster in Vela
| R.A. | Dec. | Size | Mag | SB | Cnt.St | Type | Distance | Chart |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 08h 40m 32.0s | -53° 02′ 18.2″ | 1.0° | 2.5 | 11.1 | II3p | OC | -- | -- |
Source: POSS-2 UK Schmidt Red (STScI) | Field: 60′ × 60′
Background
IC 2391 is the “Omicron Velorum Cluster” — a bright, very nearby open cluster centred on o Velorum, about 480 light-years away. Around 50 million years old, it is one of the closest open clusters to the Sun and easy naked-eye.
My Observing Notes
44-cm (Club 17.5-inch f/5): Use the “False Cross” as a starting point. IC 2391 is easy to pick up naked-eye just above o Velorum. The cluster needs a low-power eyepiece to capture all its members. Picked out 4 brighter stars in a Trapezium shape in the centre, with a trio of stars tucked inside — one of which shows a distinct yellow colour.(10 April 2026)
References
Charts
Ultra-wide view (~25° field)
Wide-field view with Telrad rings (4°, 2°, 0.5°)
Finderscope view (9×50 RACI, ~4.4° TFOV)
Eyepiece view — 35 mm Panoptic on 12-inch f/5 (1.6° TFOV)