E.T. / Owl Cluster

Object Type: Open Cluster
Scope: C-9.25" SCT; Exposure 35 minutes.

NGC 457 (the E.T. Cluster, Owl Cluster, or Caldwell 13) is an open star cluster in Cassiopeia, discovered by William Herschel in 1787. It lies about 7,900 light-years away, contains well over a hundred stars, and is around 21 million years old. Two bright stars, Phi-1 and Phi-2 Cassiopeiae, form the 'eyes,' with lines of fainter stars suggesting outstretched arms - hence the nickname after the movie character.