M56
NGC 6779
Properties
Position & Identifiers
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About M56
Description
M56 is a moderately bright globular cluster in Lyra, about 32,900 light-years from Earth. It spans about 84 light-years across and contains several tens of thousands of stars. The cluster has a moderately concentrated core and sits in a rich Milky Way star field between the bright stars Sulafat (Gamma Lyrae) and Albireo (Beta Cygni).
Observing Tips
Located roughly midway between Sulafat (Gamma Lyrae) and Albireo (Beta Cygni), making it easy to find by star-hopping. In binoculars it appears as a small, round fuzzy spot. A 4-inch telescope shows a bright, granular glow. An 8-inch telescope at 150x begins to resolve the outer stars. The cluster is not as spectacular as nearby M13 or M92, but its rich Milky Way setting is attractive. Best observed from July through October.
History
Discovered by Charles Messier on January 19, 1779. He described it as a 'nebula without stars.' William Herschel resolved it into stars in 1784.
Fun Facts
M56 is estimated to be about 13.7 billion years old — nearly as old as the universe itself. Its metallicity is very low, meaning its stars formed from nearly pristine hydrogen and helium shortly after the Big Bang, before generations of supernovae had enriched the universe with heavier elements.
Community Photos (1)
Credit: en:NASA, en:STScI, en:WikiSky. License: Public domain. (Wikimedia Commons)
Skybred Feb 28, 2026