M48
open cluster · Hydra · 5.8ᵐ
A Messier catalogue object — open cluster in Hydra.
Notable facts
Covers about 1.7 times more sky than the Moon.
In brief
Which constellation is M48 in?
M48 lies in Hydra.
Is M48 visible to the naked eye?
5.8ᵐ — visible to the naked eye (under dark skies).
When is the best time to observe M48?
Best observed in January.
Data
- RA / Dec (J2000)
- 8h 14m · −5° 48′
- Type
- open cluster
- Constellation
- Hydra
- How to observe
- 5.8ᵐ — visible to the naked eye (under dark skies)
- Angular size
- 54′
- Designation
- M48 · NGC 2548
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° | 24° | 102° |
| +55° | 29° | 100° |
| +45° | 39° | 98° |
| +30° | 54° | 97° |
| 0° | 84° | 96° |
| −35° | 61° | 97° |
Geometric altitude at upper culmination, atmospheric refraction not included. Positive latitudes are in the northern hemisphere.
Culmination time by month
| Month | Culmination |
|---|---|
| January | 00:28 |
| February | 22:21 |
| March | 20:36 |
| April | 18:42 |
| May | 16:48 |
| June | 14:42 |
| July | 12:38 |
| August | 10:37 |
| September | 08:44 |
| October | 06:55 |
| November | 04:54 |
| December | 02:46 |
Upper culmination in local solar time — no time-zone or daylight-saving correction applied.