Mel 104 (OC)
Open Cluster in Carina
| R.A. | Dec. | Size | Mag | SB | Cnt.St | Type | Distance | Chart |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11h 17m 28.8s | -62° 44′ 14.5″ | 15.0′ | 8.2 | 13.8 | II3m | OC | -- | -- |
Source: POSS-2 UK Schmidt Red (STScI) | Field: 15′ × 15′
Background
Mel 104 (Melotte 104) is a small, relatively faint open cluster about 4,000 light-years away. It lies less than half a degree from IC 2714, making for a fine contrasting pair in a low-power eyepiece.
My Observing Notes
30-cm (SkyWatcher 12-inch f/5): The smaller, denser member of the IC 2714 / Mel 104 pair. With the 35 mm Panoptic both fit in one field. The brighter members of Mel 104 resolve easily; the rest need higher magnification to bring into focus. A lovely contrast against the looser IC 2714.(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)