M 48 (NGC 2548)
M 48 (NGC 2548) is an open cluster in the constellation Hydra, magnitude 5.5, 54′ across.
A large open cluster in Hydra, faintly visible to the naked eye from dark sites and well framed by binoculars.
When and where to see it
It is best placed in the evening sky around February, when it crosses the meridian at about 10 pm local time (around midnight in January). It can be seen from everywhere south of 84°N and never sets south of 84°S.
At its highest it stands 34° up from 50°N, 49° up from 35°N, 84° up from the equator, 61° up from 35°S.
Facts
- Type
- Open cluster
- Constellation
- Hydra
- Designations
- NGC 2548, Mel 85, Cr 179, Melotte 85, Collinder 179
- Magnitude
- 5.5
- Apparent size
- 54′
- Position
- RA 8h 13.7m, Dec −5° 45′ (J2000)
Open AstroPilot to see when M 48 (NGC 2548) is highest tonight from your location, how easy it is with your telescope or binoculars, and an eyepiece view.