M50
Heart-Shaped Cluster
Properties
Position & Identifiers
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About M50
Description
M50 is a moderately rich open cluster in Monoceros, about 3,200 light-years from Earth. It contains roughly 200 stars spread across about 20 light-years, with an age of about 78 million years. A prominent red giant star near the cluster's center provides a striking color contrast with the predominantly blue-white members.
Observing Tips
Located about 9 degrees due east-northeast of Sirius. Binoculars show a dense, heart-shaped patch of stars. A telescope at 60-80x reveals about 40 stars in an attractive grouping with a distinctive wedge or heart shape. Look for the orange-red giant star near the center. The cluster sits in a rich Milky Way field. Best observed from January through March.
History
Possibly discovered by Giovanni Domenico Cassini before 1711 and independently found by Charles Messier on April 5, 1772. Messier described it as 'a cluster of small stars.'
Fun Facts
M50 is one of those Messier clusters that rewards careful observation. The red giant near the center, surrounded by blue-white young stars, creates a beautiful color contrast visible even in small telescopes — a visual demonstration of stellar evolution within a single cluster.
Community Photos (1)
Credit: Chuck Ayoub. License: CC0. (Wikimedia Commons)
Skybred Feb 28, 2026