Messier 46
Star cluster in Puppis · 5,500 light-years
🔭 Explore Messier 46 in the 3D map →| Type | Star cluster |
|---|---|
| Constellation | Puppis |
| Distance | 5,500 light-years |
| Apparent magnitude | 6.1 |
| Apparent size | 21′ (arc-minutes) |
| Also known as | M46 · NGC 2437 |
Messier 46 is a star cluster (also catalogued as NGC 2437) in Puppis — a gravitationally bound family of stars sharing a common origin. It was recorded by Charles Messier in his famous catalogue of 110 deep-sky objects. It spans roughly 21 arc-minutes on the sky. At about magnitude 6.1, it is an easy target for binoculars and small telescopes.
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Related objects
- Pleiades — star cluster
- Hercules Cluster — star cluster
- Small Sgr Star Cloud — star cluster
- Messier 25 — star cluster
- Messier 103 — star cluster