M2
NGC 7089
Properties
Position & Identifiers
Visibility
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About M2
Description
M2 is a rich, compact globular cluster in Aquarius, about 37,500 light-years from Earth. It contains roughly 150,000 stars packed into a sphere about 175 light-years across, making it one of the larger globular clusters associated with the Milky Way. The cluster is notable for its high concentration — stars near the core are packed extremely tightly.
Observing Tips
Located about 5 degrees north of Beta Aquarii (Sadalsuud). Appears as a fuzzy star in binoculars. A 4-inch telescope at 100x shows a bright, round glow with a concentrated core. An 8-inch telescope begins to resolve individual stars at the edges. The cluster rewards higher magnification (150-200x) in larger scopes. Best observed from August through October.
History
Discovered by Jean-Dominique Maraldi in 1746 while observing a comet. Charles Messier independently found it in 1760 and described it as a nebula without stars. William Herschel was the first to resolve it into stars in 1783.
Fun Facts
M2 is one of the oldest known globular clusters at about 13 billion years old — nearly as old as the universe itself. It contains 21 known variable stars, many of them RR Lyrae type, which are important distance indicators in astronomy.
Community Photos (1)
Credit: Credit: ESA/Hubble & NASA, G. Piotto et al.. License: CC BY 4.0. (Wikimedia Commons)
Skybred Feb 28, 2026