Messier 46 (M 46) / NGC 2438
Introduction | Map | Own
Observations | References
On this page I collect my observations of the open star cluster M
46 and the nebula NGC 2438 in the constellation Puppis.
Introduction
The constellation Puppis is also one of the constellation that were
unknown to me, particularly, because it belongs to the southern sky. It contains
the two open star clusters M 46 and M
47, which are located so close to each
other in the sky that, at low magnifications, they can even be observed together.
M 46 is visually included in the planetary nebula NGC 2438, which
I was not able to find, though.
Size: 20' x 15' (Stoyan)
Distance: 6000 light years
Rating: ***
Map
M 46 (left) and M 47 (right) in the constellation Puppis
Own Observations
Observations End of March 2017
- March 27, 2017 (Erkerode: Heritage
100P): M 46 was nice to see, even at high magnifications (4
mm). At low magnifications, M 46 looked only like a nebula, but
at high magnifications I was able to see stars.
- March 28, 2017 (Mühlhausen/Kraichgau: Heritage
P130 on GoTo mount):
In comparison, M
46 appeared darker than M
47, which looked brighter.
Observations End of March 2018
- March 24, 2018 (Mühlhausen/Kraichgau: Explorer
150PDS on GoTo mount):
M 46 probably not found because the Half Moon was too bright.
Observations February 2019 ff
- February 27, 2019 (Mühlhausen/Kraichgau: PS
72/432 on AZ
Pronto Mount):
M 46 larger, more wide-spread, M
47 fine, smaller; both together within
the field of view (24 mm).
References
On this Site
