images

Star clusters M46, M47 and planetary nebula NGC 2438 in Puppis

by

V.Toporenko/DSS/Novapix

Reference

a-aou24-37051

Date

2007-03-24

M46 and M47 are two open clusters that lie a little more than 1 degree apart in the sky in the constellation of Pupis. M46, containing planetary nebula NGC 2438, is seen at left in this photo, and M47 is at right. M47 is a bright cluster that can be seen with the unaided eye under dark skies. It is comprised of about 30 stars, and is 30 arc minutes in diameter and has an overall brightness of 4.4 magnitude.