M41

Credits: Keith Turnecliff

Messier 41 (also known as M41 or NGC 2287) is an open cluster in the constellation Canis Major. It was discovered by Giovanni Batista Hodierna before 1654 and was perhaps known to Aristotle about 325 BC.
Messier 41 (M41) is a bright open star cluster located in Canis Major constellation. It lies near Sirius, the brightest star in the sky.
M41 has an apparent magnitude of 4.5 and lies at an approximate distance of 2,300 light years from Earth. It has the designation NGC 2287 in the New General Catalogue.

Facts about M41 by Keith Turnecliff

The best time of year to observe M41 is in the months of December, January and February.
The cluster has a true diameter of 25 light years. Its estimated age is between 190 and 240 million years. M41 is moving away from us at 23.3 km/s.