Deep space
Heart-Shaped Cluster
Open cluster · M50 · NGC 2323
Open cluster in Monoceros
Photo: Ole Nielsen · CC BY-SA 2.5 · Wikimedia Commons
Messier 50 or M 50, also known as NGC 2323 or the Heart-shaped Cluster, is an open cluster of stars in the constellation Monoceros. It was recorded by G. D. Cassini before 1711 and independently discovered by Charles Messier in 1772 while observing Biela's Comet. It is sometimes described as a 'heart-shaped' figure or a blunt arrowhead.
Description from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0).
In your sky
Share your location to see where this is in your sky right now.
Key facts
Distance
~3,200 light-years
Apparent mag.
+5.9
Apparent size
16′
Best seen with
Naked eye (dark sky)
Catalogue
M50 · NGC 2323
Did you know
- Listed as Messier 50 in the Messier catalogue, also known as NGC 2323.
- Found in the constellation Monoceros.
- Visible to the naked eye from a dark, moonless site.
