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Messier 47 |
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 | M47 is an open cluster in the constellation Puppis, and was known to several observers before being independently discovered by Messier. A coarse bright cluster of some 50 stars, it can be seen by the suitably primed naked eye at a good dark location, as a dim fuzzy spot. About 1600 light-years away, it is spread over an area about that of the full moon (30 arc minutes across), or some 14 light-years linearly.
If M46 was a little brighter, M46 and M47 could easily be known as the Southern Double Cluster. In a 8-inch scope, both will almost fit into the field of view at 49x. M47 is larger than M46 and contains much brighter stars. The M47 cluster is elongated and has several chains of 3-5 stars of varying magnitudes. |
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| You can find more information about this Messier object by visiting: SEDS - The Messier Catalog. |
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M47 NGC 2422 Other description: Open cluster dense. Constellation: Puppis Dreyer description: Cluster, bright, very large, westward rich in stars, stars large and small; = M47. Magnitude: 4.4 RA: 07h 36m 46.6s Dec: -14°30'37" RA: 07h 36m 36.0s Dec: -14°30'00" (Epoch 2000) Azm: 165°53'54" Alt: +28°07'01" Rise: 09:22 Transit: 14:22 Set: 19:21 Size:30.0' |