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NGC 4372

Globular Cluster Excellent (69/100)
NGC 4372 GlobularCluster Mus Visible Level 3 Medium telescope (6-8") - Higher magnification helpful
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Properties

Magnitude 7.8
Angular Size 12.0′
glob. cl. , pF, L, R, st 12...16

Position & Identifiers

RA 12h 25m 48.0s
Dec -72° 40' 00.0"
Constellation Mus
Catalog NGC 4372

Visibility

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Eyepiece View

108x TFOV: 0.5° Lim. mag: 13.3
N E

NGC 4372 · 12.0′ diameter · N up, E left

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About NGC 4372

Description

NGC 4372 is a large, sparse globular cluster in Musca, about 18,900 light-years away. It spans about 19 arcminutes and appears partially obscured by the nearby dark nebula known as the Dark Doodad, creating a striking visual contrast.

Observing Tips

Visible as a faint, large, granular glow in a 6-inch telescope. Its sparse nature makes resolution relatively easy. The Dark Doodad nebula nearby adds visual interest to the field. Best from southern latitudes in autumn.

History

Discovered by James Dunlop on April 4, 1826 from Australia. The cluster is notable for its low concentration and large angular size, making it an easy target for resolution.

Fun Facts

The Dark Doodad, a narrow dark nebula about 3 degrees long, passes near NGC 4372 and makes for one of the more photogenic pairings of a globular cluster with a dark nebula in the southern sky.