Puppis (abbr. Pup, gen. Puppis) The Stern of Jason’s ship (the Argos). Puppis is a southern constellation that spans a region of the Milky Way rich in interesting star fields. See below for details of its brightest stars and interesting deep sky objects.
Located near the edge of M46 (see below) but as a foreground object. Magnitude 10.8; diameter 1.1'; distance 2,900 light-years; R.A. 07h 41.8m, Dec. -14° 44'
NGC 2440
planetary nebula
A young, butterfly-shaped planetary containing one of the hottest white dwarfs known. Magnitude 10.8; diameter 16"; distance 3,600 light-years; R.A. 07h 42m, Dec. -18° 13'
A very rich cluster with more than 500 stars. Magnitude 6.1; diameter 27'; R.A. 07h 41.8m, Dec. -14° 49'
M47 (NGC 2422)
open cluster
A cluster of about 50 stars, marginally visible with naked eye and well seen with binoculars. Magnitude 4.4; diameter 30'; R.A. 07h 36.6m, Dec. -14° 30'
NGC 2451
open cluster
A large, scattered group of bright stars, near the center of which is the orange supergiant c Pup. Magnitude 2.8; diameter 45'; R.A. 07h 45.4m, Dec. -37° 58'
NGC 2477
open cluster
Among the most beautiful clusters in this area, containing about 300 stars. Magnitude 5.8; diameter 27'; distance 3,300 light-years; R.A. 07h 52.3m, Dec. -38° 33'