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Open star cluster M50

Open star cluster M50 is in the constellation Monoceros (Mon).

Equatorial coordinates (epoch J2000):
Ra (α):07^h02.8^m, Dec (δ):+08° 23'

Visual magnitude: 7,0^m
Distance from the star clusters M50 to the Sun is 2870 light years
Angular size: 15'
Class: II,3,m
External dimensions the star clusters M50 are about 13 light years.
Number of stars: 2050
Age of the object M50 is 100x10⁶ years

Discoverer: Giovanni Domenico Cassini, before 1711 year.

The designation M50 in other catalogs: NGC 2323

Optimum magnification for a telescope with observations of M50, depending on the aperture of the telescope (D), is about D/4-D/2. 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 M50 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 49

Мessier 51

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