| NGC 2477 | |
|---|---|
Open cluster NGC 2477 in Puppis |
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| Observation data (2000 epoch) | |
| Constellation | Puppis |
| Right ascension | 07h 52m 09.8s[1] |
| Declination | -38° 32′ 00″[1] |
| Distance | ~ 3600 ly[2] (~ 1100 pc[2]) |
| Apparent magnitude (V) | 5.8[1] |
| Apparent dimensions (V) | 27′[1] |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Other designations | Caldwell 71 |
| See also: Open cluster, List of open clusters | |
NGC 2477 (also known as Caldwell 71) is an open cluster in the constellation Puppis. It contains about 300 stars,[3] and was discovered by Abbe Lacaille in 1751.[3] The cluster's age has been estimated at about 700 million years.[3]
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NGC 2477 is a stunning cluster, almost as extensive in the sky as the full moon. It has been called "one of the top open clusters in the sky",[1] like a highly-resolved globular cluster without the dense center characteristic of globular clusters. Burnham notes that several observers have remarked on its richness, and that although it is smaller than M46 (also an open cluster in Puppis), it is richer and more compact.[2]
Burnham cites several published distances, ranging from 700 pc to 1900 pc.[2] The average of these is about 1100 pc or 3600 light-years.
Coordinates: 07h 52.3m 00s, +38° 33′ 00″
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