[9][10] Theta Carinae is the brightest star within the open cluster, with the apparent visual magnitude of +2.74.

[12] IC 2602 was first discovered by French astronomer and abbot Nicolas-Louis de Lacaille on March 3, 1751 while in Cape of Good Hope, South Africa.

Positioned at a declination of -64º on the night sky,[19] IC 2602 is most clearly visible from the southern hemisphere, and appears circumpolar from southern subtropics and temperate climates; the cluster is observable from a limited selection of north hemispherical regions, mainly tropical areas.

[a] IC 2602 is identifiable a few degrees south of the southern Milky Way, surrounded by various fifth and sixth magnitude stars.

To the unaided eye, several faint stars are distinguishable to the east of the blue Theta Carinae.