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 1 the apparent diameter of the 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.