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Open star cluster M46

Open star cluster M46 is in the constellation Puppis (Pup).

Equatorial coordinates (epoch J2000):
Ra (α):07^h41.8^m, Dec (δ):-14° 49'

Visual magnitude: 6,5^m
Distance from the star clusters M46 to the Sun is 4480 light years
Angular size: 20'
Class: II,2,r
External dimensions the star clusters M46 are about 26 light years.
Number of stars: 500
Age of the object M46 is 500x10⁶ years

Discoverer: Charles Messier, 1771 year.

The designation M46 in other catalogs: NGC 2437

Optimum magnification for a telescope with observations of M46, 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 M46 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 45

Мessier 47

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