Celestial hemisphere:  Southern  ·  Constellation: Scorpius (Sco)  ·  Contains:  NGC 6231
NGC 6231, Gary Imm
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NGC 6231

NGC 6231, Gary Imm
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NGC 6231

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Description

This object is an open star cluster of about 120 stars located 6000 light years away in the southern constellation of Scorpius. The cluster forms the head of a 2 degree long "False Comet" in the Scorpion's Tail. This has been described as the most comet-like naked eye object in the heavens. The plume of the "comet" extends to the left and towards the top of the image. This object is also known as the Northern Jewel Box, even though it is at a southern declination of -42 degrees.

Several interesting double stars and triplets can be seen throughout the cluster.

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