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C42

NGC 7006

Globular Cluster Fair (39/100)
C42 GlobularCluster Delphinus Visible Level 2 Small telescope (4") - Higher magnification helpful
Credit: NASA Hubble. License: CC BY 2.0. (Wikimedia Commons)
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Properties

Magnitude 10.6
Angular Size 4.2′
Distance 135000 ly
Globular Cluster [Distance: 135000 ly]

Position & Identifiers

RA 21h 01m 29.3s
Dec +16° 11' 13.2"
Constellation Delphinus
Catalog C42

Visibility

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About C42

Description

NGC 7006 is a globular cluster in Delphinus, about 135,000 light-years from Earth. It is one of the most distant globular clusters in the Milky Way's halo, lying well beyond the main body of the galaxy.

Observing Tips

A small, faint, unresolved glow in an 8-inch telescope. Appears stellar at low power. It cannot be resolved into individual stars with amateur telescopes due to its great distance. Best in summer and autumn evenings.

History

Discovered by William Herschel on August 21, 1784. Its extreme distance and retrograde orbit suggest it may have been captured from a dwarf galaxy long ago.

Fun Facts

NGC 7006 has a retrograde orbit around the Milky Way, moving opposite to the galaxy's rotation. This retrograde motion supports the theory that it originated in a satellite galaxy that was consumed by the Milky Way.

Community Photos (1)

Credit: NASA Hubble. License: CC BY 2.0. (Wikimedia Commons)

Credit: NASA Hubble. License: CC BY 2.0. (Wikimedia Commons)

Skybred Mar 2, 2026