Messier 38

Messier 38 (M38) is a open cluster in the constellation Auriga, with an apparent magnitude of 6.4. It is about 4,200 light-years away.

Finder chart for Messier 38 in the constellation Auriga
Messier 38 (circled) in Auriga. Pink symbols mark Messier objects.
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Facts

CatalogMessier 38 (M38)
Typeopen cluster
ConstellationAuriga
Apparent magnitude6.4
Distanceabout 4,200 light-years
Right ascension5 h 28.7 min
Declination+35.86°
Best monthJanuary (at about 9 pm)

Sources: star positions, magnitudes and colors from the Yale Bright Star Catalogue; constellation boundaries and star names from the IAU; areas and distances from Wikidata; stick figures by M. van der Sluys. How the maps are made.

How to find M38

M38 is in Auriga. From 40° N it is highest in the south in January evenings, about 86° up. From 35° S it reaches about 19° in the north. Binoculars show it under a dark sky; a small telescope shows more detail.

Auriga constellation →

Other Messier objects in Auriga

Messier 36 (M36)Messier 37 (M37)

The Messier catalog →

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