NGC 2659 (OC)
Open Cluster in Vela
| R.A. | Dec. | Size | Mag | SB | Cnt.St | Type | Distance | Chart |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 08h 42m 36.1s | -44° 59′ 06.3″ | 10.0′ | 8.6 | 13.3 | III2r | OC | -- | -- |
Source: POSS-2 UK Schmidt Red (STScI) | Field: 15′ × 15′
Background
NGC 2659 is a small, faint open cluster about 5,500 light-years away in Vela. Older and dimmer than its showier neighbours; rewards patient observation.
My Observing Notes
44-cm (Club 17.5-inch f/5): Draw a line from γ Velorum to λ Velorum; halfway along sits NGC 2659. In the eyepiece the cluster forms a neat triangle with two other stars. All members are fainter, giving overall lower surface brightness, but its irregular shape and density are enough to pick it out from the field of view.(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)