M35 (NGC 2168)
By Wade V. Corbei
Visible to the naked eye under good sky conditions, M35 resolves into a nearly circular mass sparkling with stars, even with small aperture instruments. The cluster consists of 400-500 stars with 120 brighter than magnitude 13. It is 2700 to 2800 light years distant with a diameter of about 24 light years. It is estimated to be about 100 million years old and contains several yellow and orange giants. The cluster is approaching us at 5 km/sec. It was discovered by Philippe Loys de Chéseaux in 1745-46, independently rediscovered by John Bevis before 1750, and finally cataloged by Charles Messier in 1764.
Source: SEDS
Wade,
Excellent drawing of the very showy open cluster of the winter and spring sky.
Frank