Spotlight on Andromeda

Prepare for a celestial spectacle tonight as the stunning constellation Andromeda ascends to a lofty 60° in the eastern sky just two hours before dawn. Nestled comfortably to the upper right of the iconic W-shaped constellation Cassiopeia, Andromeda is a must-see for stargazers.

Gaze at the Enigmatic NGC 7686

This evening, turn your gaze to the dazzling star cluster NGC 7686, located approximately 3° northwest of the bright Lambda Andromedae. With a magnitude of 5.6, this cluster is a treat for the naked eye—ideal for those blessed with good low-light vision and unobstructed skies free of light pollution.

At 15' in diameter, NGC 7686 isn't just a sight for skilled gazers; it's also easily visible through binoculars or telescopes. According to Astronomy expert Michael Bakich, low-power observations reveal a captivating triangular arrangement of stars, while larger scopes promise to unveil an even richer tapestry of celestial jewels.

Is NGC 7686 an Open Cluster?

Interestingly, while astronomers typically categorize NGC 7686 as an open cluster, recent studies suggest it might be a superposition—a delightful illusion formed by stars at varying distances converging to create a visual overdensity, rather than a tightly bound grouping.

Mark Your Calendars for Celestial Events

Don't miss out on the additional astronomical occurrences today!

- **Sunrise:** 5:39 A.M. - **Sunset:** 8:31 P.M. - **Moonrise:** 7:20 P.M. - **Moonset:** 3:10 A.M. - **Moon Phase:** Waxing gibbous (95%)

These local time highlights are sourced from coordinates at 40° N, 90° W, providing the perfect schedule for your stargazing adventure. So grab your binoculars, head outside, and enjoy the wonders of the universe tonight!