Star cluster
NGC 602
A young star-forming cluster at the edge of the SMC (a Hubble classic)
A 5-million-year-old cluster on the outer wing of the Small Magellanic Cloud, carving out the surrounding N90 nebula as it grows. Famous for the Hubble photograph with distant galaxies visible in the background.
| Type | Star cluster |
|---|---|
| Constellation | Hydrus |
| Host galaxy | Small Magellanic Cloud |
| Distance | 61 kpc (SMC) |
| Age | ~5 million years |
| Right ascension (J2000) | 1h 29m 28.8s |
| Declination (J2000) | −73° 33′ 36″ |
In the sky
Visible from the whole Southern Hemisphere and north to latitude 16° N. South of latitude 16° S it never sets. It stands highest at midnight in October, the best time to observe it.