M36

M 36 is one of three bright open clusters in the southern part of Auriga. It lies about 4,100 light years from Earth and contains about 60 members, the brightest of which are of apparent mag 9 and spectral type B2. Many of these bright stars are rapidly rotating, as shown by their broadened spectral lines, an effect which is also found for the bright type B members of the Pleiades. M36 is quite young, being only about 25 million years old and it thus contains no red giants.

 

Taken November 24, 2009, with the C-14 operating at F:7. Exposure is 1 minute.