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Messier 50 |
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 | M50 is an open cluster in the constellation Monoceros. A modest sized cluster of perhaps a couple of hundred stars, M50 is about 3000 light-years away and around 20 light-years across. More imaginative eyes have referred to it as `heart shaped'.
In a 8-inch scope, this is quite a treat. It is rich and large and fits nicely into the field of view at 49x. It is difficult to tell where the cluster begins and ends, but it does have some spiral patterns of stars. It is richest toward the middle of the cluster, and very pretty. At 81x, the cluster barely fits into the field of view. The center is much more defined, with the spirals, arcs, and curves of stars reminding me of a spirograph. Most of the stars are white, but on one of the spiral arms is a yellow-orange star that sets itself apart from the rest. |
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M50 NGC 2323 Other description: Open cluster rich. Constellation: Monoceros Dreyer description: Remarkable! Cluster, very large, rich in stars, westward compressed, extended, stars of magnitude 12 to 16; = M50. Magnitude: 5.9 RA: 07h 03m 23.1s Dec: -08°20'23" RA: 07h 03m 12.0s Dec: -08°20'00" (Epoch 2000) Azm: 192°43'32" Alt: +34°33'59" Rise: 08:21 Transit: 13:48 Set: 19:15 Size:16.0' |