M41
open cluster · Canis Major · 4.5ᵐ
A bright open cluster just south of Sirius — Aristotle may have mentioned it around 325 BC.
Notable facts
About the same apparent size as the full Moon.
In brief
Which constellation is M41 in?
M41 lies in Canis Major.
Is M41 visible to the naked eye?
4.5ᵐ — visible to the naked eye (under dark skies).
When is the best time to observe M41?
Best observed in December.
Data
- RA / Dec (J2000)
- 6h 47m · −20° 44′
- Type
- open cluster
- Constellation
- Canis Major
- How to observe
- 4.5ᵐ — visible to the naked eye (under dark skies)
- Angular size
- 38′
- Designation
- M41 · NGC 2287
Observing tip
Best in binoculars or a telescope at low power, so the whole cluster fits in the field of view.
Altitude above the horizon by latitude
| Latitude | Maximum altitude | Rise azimuth |
|---|---|---|
| +60° | 9° | 135° |
| +55° | 14° | 128° |
| +45° | 24° | 120° |
| +30° | 39° | 114° |
| 0° | 69° | 111° |
| −35° | 76° | 116° |
Geometric altitude at upper culmination, atmospheric refraction not included. Positive latitudes are in the northern hemisphere.
Culmination time by month
| Month | Culmination |
|---|---|
| January | 23:01 |
| February | 20:54 |
| March | 19:09 |
| April | 17:16 |
| May | 15:21 |
| June | 13:15 |
| July | 11:11 |
| August | 09:10 |
| September | 07:17 |
| October | 05:28 |
| November | 03:28 |
| December | 01:19 |
Upper culmination in local solar time — no time-zone or daylight-saving correction applied.