NGC 2017 is a bright open cluster located in the constellation of Lynx. It was discovered by the astronomer William Herschel in 1788 and is known for its relatively young age and the presence of numerous stars that are still in the process of formation. The cluster is approximately 1,200 light-years away from Earth and contains several hundred stars. Its members are loosely bound by gravity, making it a fascinating subject for astronomers studying stellar evolution and the dynamics of star clusters in the universe.