NGC 3532 (Caldwell 91) - The Wishing Well Cluster

Imaged at Kiripotib Astrofarm, Namibia.

NGC 3532, often called the "Wishing Well Cluster," is a bright open star cluster located in the constellation Carina, approximately 1,300 light-years away. Spanning about 20 light-years in diameter, it is one of the richest open clusters in the sky, containing over 150 stars visible through small telescopes or binoculars. The cluster is around 300 million years old, making it moderately aged compared to other open clusters, and its stars include a mix of blue-white main sequence stars and evolved orange giants. This diverse population creates a striking visual contrast.

Surrounding NGC 3532 are several prominent nebulae, including the nearby Carina Nebula (NGC 3372), a massive star-forming region glowing with ionized gas, and the faint remnants of molecular clouds that once fueled star formation in the cluster. The proximity of these nebulae highlights the rich star-forming history of this region. NGC 3532’s beauty and accessibility have made it a favorite target for both amateur astronomers and astrophotographers.

Photographed from Kiripotib Astrofarm, Namibia under Bortle 1 conditions.