M69
NGC 6637
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Posizione e identificatori
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Descrizione
M69 is a small, bright globular cluster in Sagittarius, about 29,700 light-years from Earth. It is one of the more metal-rich globular clusters in the Milky Way, containing stars with higher proportions of heavy elements than typical globulars. The cluster spans about 61 light-years and is moderately concentrated.
Consigli per l'osservazione
Located about 2.5 degrees northeast of Epsilon Sagittarii (Kaus Australis), the base of the Teapot's spout. From northern latitudes it sits low and can be dimmed by atmospheric extinction. In binoculars it appears as a small, faint fuzzy star. A 6-inch telescope shows a concentrated, round glow. Resolving stars is difficult due to its compact nature and low altitude. M70 lies only 2 degrees to the east. Best observed from July through September.
Storia
Discovered by Nicolas Louis de Lacaille on August 31, 1752 from South Africa. Charles Messier observed it on August 31, 1780. Its southerly declination (-32 degrees) made it a challenging target from Paris.
Curiosità
M69 is one of the most metal-rich globular clusters known, with metallicity about 10% of the Sun's — very high for a globular. This suggests it formed in a more chemically enriched environment than most globulars, possibly closer to the galactic center where star formation was more advanced.
Foto della comunità (1)
Credit: ESA/Hubble & NASA. License: CC BY 3.0. (Wikimedia Commons)
Skybred Feb 28, 2026