Open cluster · Hydra

M48

Also known as: NGC 2548

mag 5.854′ across

About

M48 is an open cluster of magnitude 5.8 in Hydra, about 54′ across.

M48 is in the constellation Hydra.
Best evenings: around early March it is highest at about 9 pm (10 pm in summer time); a month earlier, two hours later.
Where on Earth: it is seen well, at least 10° up, from south of 74° N.

When it rises and sets tonight, how high it climbs and how much the Moon gets in the way are worked out in your browser for your place.

EyesA faint smudge at the limit of vision, only from a dark site.
Binoculars (10×50)A rich scattering of stars — binoculars often give the best view.
Telescope (6–8 inch)Dozens of stars, many sharp and some coloured.

For a dark country sky with no Moon. From a city, faint galaxies and nebulae can disappear completely.

Designations	M48, NGC 2548
Type	Open cluster
Magnitude	5.8The smaller the number, the brighter.
Apparent size	54′the full Moon is 31′ across
Constellation	Hydra
Right ascension (J2000)	08h 13m 43.2s
Declination (J2000)	−05° 45′ 01″