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C79

NGC 3201

Globular Cluster Showpiece (84/100)
C79 GlobularCluster Vela Visible Level 2 Small telescope (4") - Higher magnification helpful
Credit: en:NASA, en:STScI, en:WikiSky. License: Public domain. (Wikimedia Commons)
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Properties

Magnitude 6.8
Angular Size 9.6′
Distance 16300 ly
Globular Cluster [Distance: 16300 ly]

Position & Identifiers

RA 10h 17m 36.7s
Dec -46° 24' 46.8"
Constellation Vela
Catalog C79

Visibility

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About C79

Description

NGC 3201 is a globular cluster in Vela, about 16,300 light-years away. It is notable for having one of the highest radial velocities of any globular cluster, approaching us at about 490 km/s, and for its relatively loose, sparse structure.

Observing Tips

Visible as a moderately bright, round glow in a 4-inch telescope. An 8-inch scope resolves it well at 100-150x, revealing a loose, granular texture without a strongly concentrated core. Best in spring from southern locations.

History

Discovered by James Dunlop on May 28, 1826 from Australia. Its high velocity and retrograde orbit suggest it may have been captured from a satellite galaxy.

Fun Facts

NGC 3201 contains a stellar-mass black hole (about 4.4 solar masses) detected through the orbital wobble of a companion star — one of the first dormant black holes found in a globular cluster.

Community Photos (1)

Credit: en:NASA, en:STScI, en:WikiSky. License: Public domain. (Wikimedia Commons)

Credit: en:NASA, en:STScI, en:WikiSky. License: Public domain. (Wikimedia Commons)

Skybred Mar 2, 2026