M72
NGC 6981
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Descrizione
M72 is a relatively faint, remote globular cluster in Aquarius, about 55,400 light-years from Earth — one of the most distant Messier globulars. It spans about 106 light-years and contains several tens of thousands of stars. The cluster is loosely concentrated and relatively unremarkable in appearance.
Consigli per l'osservazione
Located about 3 degrees south-southeast of Epsilon Aquarii and about 1.5 degrees east of the asterism M73. In binoculars it appears as a very small, faint fuzzy dot. A 6-inch telescope shows a small, round, unresolved glow. Due to its great distance, resolving individual stars requires 10 inches or more. It is one of the least visually impressive Messier globulars. Best observed from August through October.
Storia
Discovered by Pierre Mechain on August 29, 1780. Charles Messier observed it on October 4, 1780 and described it as a 'very faint nebula.' Its distance and faintness have made it one of the less studied Messier globulars.
Curiosità
At 55,400 light-years, M72 is one of the most distant Messier objects. It also lies beyond the galactic center as seen from Earth, in the outer halo of the Milky Way. The cluster contains 42 known variable stars, most of them RR Lyrae type.
Foto della comunità (1)
Credit: en:NASA, en:STScI, en:WikiSky. License: Public domain. (Wikimedia Commons)
Skybred Feb 28, 2026