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Open star cluster M41

Open star cluster M41 is in the constellation Canis Major (CMa).

Equatorial coordinates (epoch J2000):
Ra (α):06^h46.0^m, Dec (δ):+20° 45'

Visual magnitude: 5,0^m - this object can be seen with the naked eye on a black sky, in the absence of illumination from street lighting.
Distance from the star clusters M41 to the Sun is 2260 light years
Angular size: 40'
External dimensions the star clusters M41 are about 26 light years.
Number of stars: 70
Age of the object M41 is 190x10⁶ years

Discoverer: Giovanni Battista Hodierna, 1654 year.

The designation M41 in other catalogs: NGC 2287

Optimum magnification for a telescope with observations of M41, depending on the aperture of the telescope (D), is about D/6-D/3. Higher magnifications of course add details, but lead to a strong drop in the brightness of the image, making it difficult to observe.

The best month for observing M41 is February. At this time, the object is at midnight near its highest point in the sky, that is, it is less affected by light from the lanterns and atmospheric distortions.

Мessier 40

Мessier 42

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