Messier 50

Messier 50
Messier 50 can be located 8° north and 3° east of Sirius
Observation data (J2000 epoch)
Right ascension 07h 03.2m
Declination 08° 20
Distance 3.2 kly (1 kpc)
Apparent magnitude (V) 5.9
Apparent dimensions (V) 16.0
Physical characteristics
Radius 10
Estimated age 78 million years
Other designations NGC 2323

Messier 50 (also known as M 50 or NGC 2323) is an open cluster in the constellation Monoceros. It was perhaps discovered by G. D. Cassini before 1711 and independently discovered by Charles Messier in 1772. M50 is at a distance of about 3,000 light-years away from Earth. It is described as a 'heart-shaped' figure.


Messier 50

Sirius and M41 (lower right), M50 (upper left), and NGC 2360 (lower left)

Coordinates: 07h 03.2m 00s, −08° 20′ 00″

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