M 46 + M 47 (Mosaic)

50% resolution (1.7MB)

Image of M46

Image of M47

Object data of M46
Object type: open star cluster (II2r)
Size: 27'
Magnitude: 6.1 mag
Constellation: Pup
Distance: 4,500 Ly
   
Notes: Messier 46 is a very rich star cluster, with 150 stars of mag 10-13 and probably a total population of over 500. As a special and famous feature which is also obvious in the above image, a planetary nebula (NGC 2438) appears within the apparent borders of M46. This nebula is most probably not a true member but is superimposed, or perhaps a passing guest.

Object data of M47
Object type: open star cluster (I3m)
Size: 30'
Magnitude: 4.4 mag
Constellation: Pup
Distance: 1,600 Ly
   
Notes: Open cluster M47 is a coarse cluster of bright stars, and contains about 50 stars in a region 12 light years in diameter.

Exposure data
Date: 2011-01-16 (M47)  /  2011-03-11 (M46)
Location: Nussbach / Austria (400m)
Telescope: TeleVue NP101 (4" Apo f=540mm)
Camera: EOS1000D (ISO400)
Mount: WAM 650
Exposure time: 60x2m (M47)  /  67x2m (M46)
Exposure time total: 2h 00m (M47)  / 2h 14m (M46)
Notes: mosaic of two images

 

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