M 50 (NGC 2323)
M 50 (NGC 2323) is an open cluster in the constellation Monoceros, magnitude 5.9, 16′ across.
A bright open cluster in Monoceros, often described as heart-shaped, about a third of the way from Sirius to Procyon.
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 82°N and never sets south of 82°S.
At its highest it stands 32° up from 50°N, 47° up from 35°N, 82° up from the equator, 63° up from 35°S.
Facts
- Type
- Open cluster
- Constellation
- Monoceros
- Designations
- NGC 2323, Mel 58, Cr 124, Heart-Shaped Cluster, Melotte 58, Collinder 124
- Magnitude
- 5.9
- Apparent size
- 16′
- Position
- RA 7h 2.7m, Dec −8° 22′ (J2000)
Open AstroPilot to see when M 50 (NGC 2323) is highest tonight from your location, how easy it is with your telescope or binoculars, and an eyepiece view.