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| Messier/type: | M46 / open cluster |
| mag/dia/dist: | 6.1 / 20' / 5,300 ly |
| constellation: | Puppis |
| date/time/place: | Feb 24, 01 / 22:30 / bangkok |
| trans'y/seeing/l-poll: | good / good / low |
| telescope: | newtonian 4.5" f8.8 |
| eyepieces/power: | 25mm / 40x |
| sky atlas page: | 12 |
Start at Sirius in Canis major, hop to stars 20 & 23, there are double star and
a single star mag6 which points to M47. M47 is easily seen in finder scope but I
couldn't see M46 nearby. Stars 2,4 & star mag6 can be used as pointer,
star 4-->2-->star mag6. M46 locates between star 2 & star mag6, more closer to star
mag6, or M46 locates at top of imaginary triangle comprise of star 2, star mag6 and
estimated location of M46 itself. Center cross hair at estimated location of M46
and try to adjust the triangle shape similar as in Sky atlas.
At eyepiece M46 appeared as very faint cluster with a few of bright stars, non-resolvable
stars look like nebulosity, used avert vision and direct vision.
Refer to text: 100 stars detached, max mag8.7, beautiful circular cloud of small stars,
extend 24 ly, age 300 million years. A planetary nebula 'NGC2438' lies
in front of the cluster.
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