Conditions : clear skies, -2 degrees, breezy, no dew. First quarter moon. Observed from approx 10.30 to 11.30pm.
The Little Beehive (M41)
This open cluster in Canis Major was disappointing at x40 power, appearing washed out with light pollution and moonlight. Widely scattered over the field of view, but mostly in an area approx 1/4 the field of view. A red star paired with a blue/white star appear in the centre. Another red star is visible on the edge of the central part of the cluster. Some 30 to 40 brighter stars are visible, but with hints of plenty more.
x100 power provides a much more attractive view. Much of the light pollution and moonshine is removed. The central area of the cluster now fills the field of view. The eye is immediately drawn to the central red star.
I also noted that this cluster is possibly visible as a faint smudge in 50mm binoculars when using averted vision.
Open cluster in Puppis (M47)
M47 is easily located, by looking south of Procyon (Alpha Canis Minoris) to Alpha Monocerotis and then a little further south and west. This open cluster is visible @x9 power in binoculars as a grouping of 3 stars, however @x40 power in the telescope the cluster becomes visible. Appearing much brighter and more pleasing than M41. The eye is drawn to 4 bright blue/white stars. I think these are the stars that appear as the group of 3 in binoculars. A bright red and blue pair sit just outside of the cluster, also visible in binoculars. The cluster is fairly well dispersed but I suspect many more fainter stars are just out of view (there is a hint when using averted vision) making this fairly tightly packed. The cluster is rectangular, at its longest appearing to cover about half of the field of view.
Open cluster in Puppis (M46)
Tantalising at x40 power. @x100, a densely packed, very faint cluster is visible, covering the field of view at this power. Almost milky in appearance. Too cold/numb to continue observation…!