Mel 101 (OC)
Open Cluster in Carina
| R.A. | Dec. | Size | Mag | SB | Cnt.St | Type | Distance | Chart |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10h 42m 13.7s | -65° 06′ 17.3″ | 15.0′ | 8.0 | 13.6 | III1m | OC | -- | -- |
Source: POSS-2 UK Schmidt Red (STScI) | Field: 15′ × 15′
Background
Mel 101 (Melotte 101) is a sparse, somewhat scattered open cluster about 4,500 light-years away in Carina. Often passed over because it sits adjacent to the brilliant IC 2602 (Southern Pleiades).
My Observing Notes
30-cm (SkyWatcher 12-inch f/5): A nice surprise discovery while observing IC 2602. A modest cluster of stars lurking in the shadow of its showier neighbour, forming a clear “figure-8” shape to my eye. Worth coming back to — typically I'd skip right over it.(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)