M41 - NGC 2287

Messier 41 (NGC 2287) is a bright open cluster in the constellation Canis Major, located approximately 2,300 light-years from Earth. It lies about 4 degrees due south of Sirius, the brightest star in the night sky, making it exceptionally easy to locate. The cluster contains roughly 100 stars within a diameter of about 25 light-years and shines at a combined apparent magnitude of about 4.5, making it visible to the naked eye under reasonably dark conditions. M41 is estimated to be about 190 million years old and contains several red and orange giant stars among its predominantly blue-white population, providing pleasing color contrasts. The brightest member is a K3-type orange giant near the cluster's center that shines at about magnitude 6.9 and is a striking focal point of the cluster. M41 may have been known to Aristotle, who mentioned a faint luminous patch near Sirius around 325 BC, though this attribution is debated. It was definitely observed by Giovanni Battista Hodierna before 1654 and was cataloged by Messier in 1765. Through binoculars, M41 is a beautiful sight, resolving into about 30 stars against the Milky Way background, with the bright orange giant catching the eye immediately. A small telescope at low magnification shows the full extent of the cluster, which spans about 38 arcminutes, larger than the full Moon. Curved chains of stars radiate outward from the center, giving the cluster an attractive and distinctive appearance. M41 is best observed during Northern Hemisphere winter evenings when Canis Major rides high in the southern sky.

Contains about 100 stars spanning 25 light-years at a distance of 2,300 light-years, covering 38 arcminutes of sky at magnitude 4.5.