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NGC 5286

Globular Cluster Excellent (61/100)
NGC 5286 GlobularCluster Cen Visible Level 2 Small telescope (4") - Higher magnification helpful
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Properties

Magnitude 7.6
Angular Size 6.6′
glob. cl. , vB, pL, R, rrr, st 15

Position & Identifiers

RA 13h 46m 24.0s
Dec -51° 22' 00.0"
Constellation Cen
Catalog NGC 5286

Visibility

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Eyepiece View

108x TFOV: 0.5° Lim. mag: 13.3
N E

NGC 5286 · 6.6′ diameter · N up, E left

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About NGC 5286

Description

NGC 5286 is a bright globular cluster in Centaurus, about 35,900 light-years away. It is a moderately concentrated cluster spanning about 9 arcminutes with an integrated magnitude of 7.6, located near the star M Centauri.

Observing Tips

Visible as a bright, round glow in a 4-inch telescope. An 8-inch scope begins to resolve the outer halo into individual stars. Located conveniently near the naked-eye star M Centauri for easy finding. Best in spring and summer from southern locations.

History

Discovered by James Dunlop on May 7, 1826 from Australia. The cluster has been studied for its multiple stellar populations, which hint at a complex formation history.

Fun Facts

NGC 5286 may be another example of a globular cluster that originated as the nucleus of a small dwarf galaxy, based on its chemical abundance patterns that differ from typical Milky Way globulars.