Messier 37 (original) (raw)

September 2, 1764. 37. 5h 37m 01s (84d 15' 12") +32d 11' 51"
Cluster of small stars, little remote from the preceding [M36], above the parallel of chi Aurigae; the stars are smaller, more close together and enclosing some nebulosity; with an ordinary telescope of 3.5 feet [FL], one has pain to see the stars: this cluster is reported on the Chart of the second Comet of 1771, Mem. Acad. 1777. (diam. 9')

[Handwritten remark in Messier's copy:] Seen again 6th March [?], 1781.

[Mem. Acad. for 1771, p. 449 (first Messier catalog)]
In the same night [September 2 to 3, 1764], I have observed a second cluster of small stars which were not very distant from the preceding, near the right leg of Auriga & on the parallel of the star Chi of that constellaiton: the stars there are smaller than that of the preceding cluster: they are also closer to each other, & contain a nebulosity. With an ordinary [non-achromatic] refractor of 3 feet & a half, one has difficulty to see these stars; but one distinguishes them with an instrument of greater effectivity. I have determined the position fo this cluster, which may have an extension of 8 to 9 minutes of arc: its right ascension was 84d 15' 12", & its declination 32d 11' 51" north.
[p. 457] 1764.Sep. 2. RA: 84.15.12, Dec: 32.11.51.B, Diam: 0. 9. Cluster of small stars, little distant from the preceding [M36], & on the parallel of the star Chi Aurigae.