M41 · open cluster

Messier 41

Messier 41 (also known as M41 or NGC 2287) is an open cluster in the constellation Canis Major.

RA06h 45m 59sDec−20° 45' 15"

Image: Chuck Ayoub. CC0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Identity & coordinates

Identification

Primary designation: M41
All designations: M41 · NGC 2287
Object type: Open Cluster
Constellation: Canis Major
Best viewing: Winter

Coordinates & physical

Right ascension (J2000): 06h 45m 59s
Declination (J2000): −20° 45' 15"
Apparent magnitude (V): —
Distance: —

III

Visibility tonight

The science

Messier 41 (also known as M41 or NGC 2287) is an open cluster in the constellation Canis Major. Located approximately four degrees south of Sirius, it forms a roughly equilateral triangle with Sirius and Nu2 Canis Majoris, visible together in binoculars. The cluster spans an area comparable to the size of the full moon and contains about 100 stars, including several red giants and white dwarfs.

Summary adapted from Wikipedia · CC-BY-SA-4.0