An easy target for anyone is the constellation Auriga and it’s three bright open star clusters.  It may be considered a winter constellation, but there is still plenty of time for some decent observation.  In the early April evenings , Auriga lies west about 45 degrees over the horizon.  It’s brightest star, Capella,  the sixth brightest in the night sky can easily be located.  Therefore these open clusters are easy targets for a quick star-hopping observation for anyone with a small telescope or binoculars.

Auriga in April with three bright open clusters (boxed)

My last few posts have been the photos that I’ve captured of these three Messier objects: M36, M37 and M38.  Below is a view if the boxed area from above but with the photos of the open clusters inserted at their correct location.

M37, M36 and M38 (respectively) in Auriga

To see larger images of the open clusters, refer to my following blogs:

Messier 36 – Open Cluster in Auriga
Messier 37 – Brightest Open Cluster in Auriga
Messier 38 and NGC1907 – Open Clusters in Auriga