1 minute exposure, Meade 416XT CCD.
8" f/6 newtonian at prime focus.
M 46 is a large, rich cluster of moderately bright stars, that is a fine object in the telescope. The stars tend to be fairly uniform in brightness and the cluster is almost circular in shape. Of particular interest is the small planetary nebula, NGC 2438, visible near the northern edge of the cluster. Although the planetary appears to be part of the cluster, it is in fact a foreground object, being only about half the distance as M46. The planetary is easily visible in an 8" telescope at moderate magnification as a distinct ring. The combination makes for a good way of seeing depth in the sky. They are also very good for showing to non-astronomers. Given that the planetary is a couple of thousand times larger than the solar system, it makes the background cluster seen huge.
In this image only a small portion of the cluster is visible along with the planetary nebula.
