Messier 50 is an open star cluster located in the constellation Monoceros, also known as the Unicorn. It was discovered by the French astronomer Charles Messier in 1772 and is approximately 3,000 light-years away from Earth. The cluster contains around 100 stars, with its brightest members being of spectral type B, which are hot and blue. The age of Messier 50 is estimated to be about 100 million years, making it relatively young in astronomical terms. It spans roughly 20 light-years across and is best observed with binoculars or small telescopes. The cluster is a beautiful example of stellar formation and evolution in our galaxy.