Zooming in on the star cluster Messier 47

This video sequence takes us on a trip to the nearby bright star cluster Messier 47. As we close in we can also see the contrasting cluster Messier 46, which is richer in stars but more distant. The final close-up view was taken using the Wide Field Imager camera, installed on the MPG/ESO 2.2-metre telescope at ESO’s La Silla Observatory in Chile. Messier 47 is dominated by a sprinkling of brilliant blue stars but also contains a few contrasting red giant stars.