Higher-resolution versions:  1680 x 1050  2135 x 1455

Object Type: Open cluster
Constellation: Puppis
Magnitude: 6.0
Size: 27'

M46 is a bright, rich cluster notable for the planetary nebula NGC 2438 near the northern edge of the cluster. NGC 2438 is not physically associated with M46, however, as it is 2,900 light-years distant from our solar system, while M46 is 5,400 light-years distant.

Equipment: Vixen 102-ED/ST-10XME/Astrodon LRGB filters/Paramount ME
F-ratio: f/6.5
Exposure: LRGB: L 8 x 5 minutes: R 8 x 5 minutes: G 8 x 5 minutes: B 8 x 5 minutes: RGB binned 2x2
Date: February 2 and 8, 2008
Location: Landers, California, USA
Technical Notes: Individual exposures were taken using CCDAutoPilot2 and then sigma combined. The RGB image was created in Registar 1.0. A Gaussian Blur of 1 pixel was applied to the RGB image.