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C78

NGC 6541

Globular Cluster Showpiece (83/100)
C78 GlobularCluster Corona Australis Visible Level 1 Naked eye / Binoculars - Higher magnification helpful
Credit: NASA Hubble Space Telescope. License: CC BY 2.0. (Wikimedia Commons)
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Properties

Magnitude 6.6
Angular Size 7.5′
Distance 22800 ly
Globular Cluster [Distance: 22800 ly]

Position & Identifiers

RA 18h 08m 02.2s
Dec -43° 42' 28.8"
Constellation Corona Australis
Catalog C78

Visibility

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About C78

Description

NGC 6541 is a bright globular cluster in Corona Australis, about 22,800 light-years away. It is a moderately concentrated cluster spanning about 13 arcminutes with an integrated magnitude of 6.6.

Observing Tips

Visible as a bright, round glow in binoculars. A 6-inch telescope begins to resolve the outer edges at 100x+. An 8-inch scope provides a fine view with many stars resolved around a dense unresolved core. Best in summer from southern locations.

History

Discovered by Niccolb Cacciatore in 1826 from the Palermo Observatory in Sicily. It is one of the nearer and brighter globular clusters in this part of the sky.

Fun Facts

NGC 6541 has a low metallicity, indicating it is one of the older globular clusters in the Milky Way, formed early in the galaxy's history when fewer heavy elements were available.

Community Photos (1)

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

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

Skybred Mar 2, 2026