Observer's guide
About NGC 2323
NGC 2323 (M50) is catalogued as an open cluster in Monocerus. Its J2000 position is RA 07:02:40.47, Dec -08:21:50.5, corresponding to 105.6842 degrees RA and -8.365 degrees Dec. The local catalogue places it about 3,000 light-years away. Its referenced angular extent is approximately 31.6 by 31.6 arcminutes.
Observing tips
StarWatchr rates this as an easy target at magnitude 6.3. It is associated with winter observing, with midnight placement typically strongest around January. From 52 degrees north its theoretical meridian altitude is about 29.6 degrees; local horizons and the live altitude chart determine the practical window.
A small telescope under reasonably dark skies is a good starting point; use the live altitude chart to choose its highest point.
What to expect
The SIMBAD classification for the matched source is OpC. A published radial velocity value is 6.3 km/s. The SIMBAD record currently connects it to 216 bibliographic references.
Its roughly 31.6 arcminute span suits a medium field of view. Use the listed 31.6 by 31.6 arcminute extent to check framing, and treat catalogue magnitude as integrated brightness rather than a direct measure of visual contrast.