Messier 48

Messier 48
Observation data (J2000 epoch)
Constellation	Hydra
Right ascension	08^h 13.7^m
Declination	-05° 45′
Distance	1.5 kly (460 Pc)
Apparent magnitude (V)	5.5
Apparent dimensions (V)	54.0′
Physical characteristics
Estimated age	300 million years
Other designations	NGC 2548

Messier 48 (also known as M 48 or NGC 2548) is an open cluster in the Hydra constellation. It was discovered by Charles Messier in 1771.

There is actually no cluster in the position indicated by Messier. The value that he gave for the right ascension matches that of NGC 2548, however, his declination is off by five degrees.^[1] Credit for discovery is sometimes given instead to Caroline Herschel in 1783.^[1]

M48 is visible to the naked eye under good atmospheric conditions. Its age is estimated to amount 300 million years.

References

1. Houston, Walter Scott (2005). Deep-Sky Wonders. Sky Publishing Corporation. ISBN 1-931559-23-6.

External links

• Messier 48, SEDS Messier pages
• Messier 48 on WikiSky: DSS2, SDSS, GALEX, IRAS, Hydrogen α, X-Ray, Astrophoto, Sky Map, Articles and images

Coordinates: 08^h 13.7^m 00^s, −05° 45′ 00″