The open clusters Melotte 71 (left) in Puppis and Melotte 72 (right) in Monoceros. While not as spectacular as some neighboring clusters, these objects are nonetheless interesting. DSS/POSS photos.

This month's objects are "off the beaten path" and, while not as dazzling as some of the other winter clusters, offer an interesting change of pace. Located less than 1.5° south-southwest of Alpha Monocerotis, Melotte 72 is the more challenging of the two. In both 8- and 12-inch scopes I noted this cluster to be distinctly triangular, with a line of stars meandering northward from the apex of the triangle. Using a 12-inch scope, I counted at least 60 stars.

Melotte 71, on the other hand, is an easy target in almost any scope. Lying 1.5° south of Mel 72, this cluster contains nearly 100 stars and is about ten arc-minutes across. The cluster appears to be slighly compressed toward the center.

How to get there:

Mel 72 is located about 1.3° south-southwest of Alpha Monocerotis; Mel 71 is located 1.4° south of Mel 72, or 2.6° south of Alpha Monocerotis.

Finder chart for Mel 71/72