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C66

NGC 5694

Globular Cluster Fair (39/100)
C66 GlobularCluster Hydra Visible Level 2 Small telescope (4") - Higher magnification helpful
Credit: Judy Schmidt. License: CC BY 2.0. (Wikimedia Commons)
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Properties

Magnitude 10.2
Angular Size 3.3′
Distance 105000 ly
Globular Cluster [Distance: 105000 ly]

Position & Identifiers

RA 14h 39m 36.5s
Dec -26° 32' 16.8"
Constellation Hydra
Catalog C66

Visibility

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About C66

Description

NGC 5694 is a remote globular cluster in Hydra, about 113,000 light-years from Earth. It is one of the most distant globular clusters in the Milky Way's halo and has a very low metallicity, suggesting it formed early in the galaxy's history.

Observing Tips

A small, faint, unresolved glow in an 8-inch telescope. Cannot be resolved into individual stars with amateur equipment. Located in a relatively sparse star field. Best in spring evenings.

History

Discovered by William Herschel on May 22, 1784. Its extreme distance and low metallicity have led some astronomers to suggest it may have been captured from a satellite dwarf galaxy.

Fun Facts

NGC 5694 is one of the oldest objects in the Milky Way, with an estimated age of about 12 billion years. It may have originated in a now-destroyed dwarf galaxy that was absorbed by the Milky Way.

Community Photos (1)

Credit: Judy Schmidt. License: CC BY 2.0. (Wikimedia Commons)

Credit: Judy Schmidt. License: CC BY 2.0. (Wikimedia Commons)

Skybred Mar 2, 2026