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Messier 46 |
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 | M46 is a rich open star cluster in the constellation Puppis. Within a diameter of 28 arc minutes, or about 30 light-years at its distance of 5400 light-years, M46 contains over 150 bright stars and a total population perhaps over 500. M46 is probably around 300 million years old. It is also noteworthy for the presence of the planetary nebula NGC2438 on its northern edge (up and left of center). NGC2438 is almost certainly not physically associated with M46 due to is probable evolutionary history, its significantly diffferent velocity, and a distance estimate only a little more than half the distance to M46. In a 8-inch scope, M46 is more compact and rounded than M47. The stars are a little more even magnitude-wise. The brightest star of this cluster is just about in the center. There are a couple of noteworthy stars between the two clusters that seem to be acting somewhat as a bridge between them. |
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| You can find more information about this Messier object by visiting: SEDS - The Messier Catalog. |
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M46 NGC 2437 Other description: Open cluster dense. Constellation: Puppis Dreyer description: Remarkable!, cluster, very bright, very rich in stars, very large, involved planetary nebula; = M46. Magnitude: 6.1 RA: 07h 41m 58.7s Dec: -14°49'38" RA: 07h 41m 48.0s Dec: -14°49'00" (Epoch 2000) Azm: 164°33'54" Alt: +27°34'33" Rise: 09:28 Transit: 14:27 Set: 19:25 Size:27.0' |