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Wishing Well Cluster

Black Arrow Cluster, Football Cluster, Pincushion Cluster
C91, Collinder 238, Melotte 103, NGC 3532

Proper NamesWishing Well Cluster, Black Arrow Cluster, Football Cluster, Pincushion Cluster
Caldwell NumberC91
NGC/IC NumberNGC 3532
Other DesignationsCollinder 238, Melotte 103
ConstellationCarina
Right Ascension11h 5m 39s
Declination-58° 45' 12"
Distancec.1,600 light years
c.500 parsecs
MagnitudeApparent: +3.0
Absolute: -5.5
DiameterApparent: 50'
Actual: 23 light years
Number of Starsc. 150
Optimum VisibilityMarch (Usually visible from southern latitudes)
NotesThis open cluster stands out against the backdrop of a dense region of the Milky Way, near the extensive Eta Carinae Nebula in the sky. It became known as the 'Wishing Well' Cluster because its stars were said to resemble coins sparkling in the depths of a well.
Location of NGC 3532

The Wishing Well or Football Cluster is one of a host of star clusters in one of the most densely starred regions of the Milky Way.

An open star cluster in the constellation of Carina, lying more than a thousand light years from the Sun.

Image of NGC 3532, the Wishing Well Cluster

The night sky of a hypothetical gas giant orbiting the star HD 96564, which lies in the busy Wishing Well Cluster. This populous cluster of stars lies near the Carina-Centaurus border, and is easily visible with the naked eye.

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