Messier 41 (M 41)

Introduction | Map | Find/Identify | Sketch | My Own Photos | My Own Observations | References

On this page I collect my observations of the open star cluster M 41 (NGC 2287) in the constellation Canis Major.

 

Introduction

The open star cluster M 41 in the constellation Canis Major is a "Winter DSO", belongs according to Stoyan to the five most beautiful star clusters visible from Central Europe and should not be missed.

Size: 40' / 30' (Stoyan / Karkoschka)
Distance: 2,300 light years (Stoyan)
Rating: *** (Stoyan)

 

Map

M 41 below Sirius (Canis Major) (Image Courtesy of SkySafari Astronomy, www.simulationcurriculum.com)

 

Find/Identify

Find/Identify: The open star cluster M 41 in the constellation Canis Major is located fairly low in the sky, even below Sirius, the brightest star in the winterly sky and also generally. With the help of Sirius, M 41 should be easy to find (provided that Sirius is visible). See the map above for details.

 

Sketch

The sketch by Michael Vlasov (DeepSkyWatch.com) provides a rough impression of what I observed (my impression was much fainter than the sketch): Sketch of M 41 by Michael Vlasov (Copyright © Michael Vlasov 2016)

Note: I have only the author's permission to link to this sketch.

 

My Own Photos

Atik Infinity & Explorer 150PDS (April 6, 2018)

         

M 41 (Canis Major), unprocessed

 

Ditto, post-processed

 

Ditto, post-processed and sharpened

         

M 41 (Canis Major), unprocessed

 

Ditto, post-processed

 

Ditto, post-processed and sharpened

Photos taken with Sky-Watcher Explorer 150PDS (April 6, 2018), originals reduced to 600 x 450 pixels. Confirmed using www.astroimages.de/de/gallery/M41.html and All sky plate solver.

eVscope

         

M 41 - Feb 19, 2020

 

M 41 - Feb 19, 2020

 

M 41 - Feb 19, 2020

   

M 41 - Mar 14, 2020

 

M 41 - Mar 18, 2020

 

M 41 - Mar 18, 2020, processed

Vespera

    

M 41 - Jan 29, 2024 - original, 10 min

 

M 41 - Jan 29, 2024 - large, 10 min

 

My Own Observations

Observations February to End of March 2017

Observations March to April 2018

Observations February 2019

Observations February to March 2020

Observations January 2024

 

References

On this Site