Messier 47, also known as M47, is an open star cluster located in the constellation of Carina. It was discovered by the astronomer Charles Messier in 1771 and is approximately 1,600 light-years away from Earth. The cluster contains around 50 stars, with its brightest member being a blue giant star. M47 is estimated to be about 78 million years old and has a diameter of roughly 30 light-years. It is best viewed with binoculars or a small telescope, appearing as a hazy patch in the night sky. The cluster is often studied for insights into stellar evolution and the dynamics of star clusters.