Most star clusters are singularly impressive.
But open clusters NGC 869 and NGC 884
are doubly impressive. Also known as "h and chi Persei",
this rare double cluster, shown above,
is bright enough to be seen from a dark location without even
binoculars. Although their discovery surely predates written
history, the "double cluster" was notably cataloged
by the Greek astronomer Hipparcos.
The clusters are over 7000 light years distant toward the constellation
of Perseus,
but are separated by only hundreds of light years.
