NGC 2362

NGC 2362
NGC 2362 in Canis Major
Observation data (J2000 epoch)
Constellation	Canis Major
Right ascension	07h 18.6m
Declination	–24° 59′
Distance	4.8 ± 1.6 kly (1.5 ± 0.5 kpc)
Apparent magnitude (V)	4.1
Apparent dimensions (V)	8′
Physical characteristics
Other designations	Caldwell 64
See also: Open cluster, List of open clusters

NGC 2362 is an open cluster in the constellation Canis Major. It was discovered by Giovanni Batista Hodierna before 1654. Its brightest star is Tau Canis Majoris, and therefore it is sometimes called the Tau Canis Majoris Cluster. NGC 2362 has a distance of 1.48 kpc and is a relatively young 4–5 million years in age. It is a massive open cluster, with more than 500 solar masses. The cluster is in relation with the giant nebula Sh2-310, that lies at the same distance.

Coordinates: 07^h 18.8^m 00^s, −24° 57′ 00″