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Messier 41 |
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 | M41 is an open cluster in the constellation Canis Major. It contains only about one hundred stars, including several bright red giants (which appear orange, as do all red giants). The bright star in the SE corner (lower left) is a foreground blue giant, not part of the cluster. Roughly 2300 light-years away and around 25 light-years across, M41 is about 200 million years old.
An 8-inch with a 40 mm (32 x) eyepiece shows an extensive cluster with a count of 100 stars, an alignment in a cross form with its vanes in N-S, E-W direction; presided in the center by a red star, and towards the Northeast another orange star. Towards the edge of the field, 12 CMa is a blue star shining at 7th magnitude. This star does not belong to the cluster. |
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| You can find more information about this Messier object by visiting: SEDS - The Messier Catalog. |
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M41 NGC 2287 Other description: Open cluster dense. Constellation: Canis Major Dreyer description: Cluster, very large, bright, little compressed, stars of magnitude 8 and fainter; = M41. Magnitude: 4.5 RA: 06h 46m 09.6s Dec: -20°44'19" RA: 06h 46m 00.0s Dec: -20°44'00" (Epoch 2000) Azm: 179°49'33" Alt: +22°58'42" Rise: 09:01 Transit: 13:31 Set: 18:01 Size:38.0' |