M50 (NGC 2323)
Apparent Magnitude: 5.9
Distance: Aprox: 2,870 light-years
Constellation: Monoceros
Diameter: 17.8 light-years
Star Count Aprox: 508
Messier 50 lies to the east of Orion, near the border between Monoceros and Canis Major constellation. It occupies an area about half the size of the full Moon and is relatively easy to find because it is located 9.5 degrees north-northeast of Sirius, the brightest star in the sky. At least two or three relatively bright stars in M50 can be resolved in binoculars, while small telescopes reveal the cluster’s distinctive heart-shaped figure. The best time of year to observe M50 is in the months of December, January and February.
Taken 12/12/18 in Grand Rapids, Ohio by Russell Kille on a CPC 1100 with Hyperstar @ F2 and ZWO ASI294MC Pro camera