About NGC 2287 (M41)

NGC 2287 is a rewarding deep-sky target and is visible as a compact luminous region. It is relatively bright.

Current visibility

Right now it is at about 40° altitude and reaches 69° around 03:15 PM.

It stays above 30° for roughly 8 hours.

Observing conditions matter, structure becomes clearer under good conditions.

Observing tips

It is often recommended as an entry-level object.

What to expect

It offers less structure than some of the brightest galaxies.

Type

Open Cluster

Constellation

Canis Major

Distance

2300 ly

Size

30.0'

Season

Winter

Difficulty

Easy

Magnitude

4.6