Messier 46
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Messier 46 |
|
| Observation data: J2000.0 epoch | |
|---|---|
| Class: | II,2,r |
| Constellation: | |
| Right ascension: | 07h 41.8m |
| Declination: | −14° 49′ |
| Distance: | 5.4 kly (1.7 kPc) |
| Apparent magnitude (V): | 6.0 |
| Apparent dimensions (V): | 27.0′ |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Mass: | ( M☉) |
| Radius: | 15 |
| VHB: | |
| Estimated age: | 300 million years |
| Notable features: | contains superimposed planetary nebula NGC 2438 |
| Other designations: | NGC 2437 |
| See also: Open cluster, List of open clusters | |
Messier 46 (also known as M 46 or NGC 2437) is an open cluster in the constellation Puppis. It was discovered by Charles Messier in 1771.
M46 is at a distance of about 5,400 light-years away from Earth with an estimated age of about 300 million years. The cluster contains about 500 stars of which 150 are brighter than magnitude 13. Its spatial diameter is some 30 light years.
The planetary nebula NGC 2438 appear to lie within the cluster but it is in reality a foreground object.
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