To join star crossed hearts in love

February Astrophysics

During the month of February the human journey to the beginning of space and time takes lovers on a trip to experience the light fantastic in heart-shaped open cluster NGC 1662. Star crossed lovers can join the journey in the mighty Hunter’s shield, which many star travellers view as a golden lion pelt draped over Orion’s outstretched arms.

NGC 1662 lies farther north on the celestial sphere, 1.8 degrees west-northwest of Pi Orionis, right on top of Orion’s shield. Lovers journeying to NGC 1662 using a 5.1-inch (133mm) refractor at 23x can share a heart-in-the-sky outlined by 22 stars forming a heart with a loop where the lobes join.

Lovers viewing NGC 1662 will note the open clusters two brightest stars have a yellow hue. One is located on the loop of the heart, while the other adorns the top. The four stars along the loop are part of multiple star h684. A fifth stellar body will become visible if you turn up the viewing power on the telescope.

The light for your February Valentine’s Day lovers treat started its journey about two centuries prior to the original feast of St. Valentine. The light you both see and love you feel has travelled 1400 years to find you. True love really is eternal and written in the stars.