M50 Open Star Cluster , AlBroxton

M50 Open Star Cluster

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Description

Messier 50 (also known as M 50 or NGC2323) is an open cluster in the constellation Monoceros. It was perhaps discovered by G. D. Cassini before 1711 and independently discovered by Charles Messier in 1772. M50 is at a distance of about 3,000 light-years away from Earth. It is described as a 'heart-shaped' figure. Open cluster M50 has an angular diameter of about 15x20' therefore corresponds to a linear extension of about 20 light-years, the central dense part being only about 10' or 10 light-years in diameter. There are several yellow giants in the cluster, and one red M giant south of center which corresponds to the glaring orange star I noticed right away.

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M50 Open Star Cluster , AlBroxton