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Open star cluster M47

Open star cluster M47 is in the constellation Puppis (Pup).

Equatorial coordinates (epoch J2000):
Ra (α):07^h36.6^m, Dec (δ):-14° 30'

Visual magnitude: 4,5^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 M47 to the Sun is 1600 light years
Angular size: 30'
Class: II,3,m
External dimensions the star clusters M47 are about 14 light years.
Number of stars: 117
Age of the object M47 is 30—100x10⁶ years

Discoverer: Giovanni Battista Hodierna, before 1654 year.

The designation M47 in other catalogs: NGC 2422

Optimum magnification for a telescope with observations of M47, 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 M47 is February - March. 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 46

Мessier 48

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