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M46 is a large and rich open cluster that contains over 500 stars.
It makes a lovely sight in binoculars,
as two other open clusters, M47 and NGC 2423, are visible in the same field of view.
Of special interest is the planetary nebula that seems to be embedded near the cluster's center.
Although the planetary nebula is probably not actually part of the cluster
(it simply lies along the same line of sight),
it makes for a good opportunity to see two different types of deep sky objects at the same time.
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