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NGC 6101

Globular Cluster Good (51/100)
NGC 6101 GlobularCluster Aps Visible Level 3 Medium telescope (6-8") - Higher magnification helpful
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Properties

Magnitude 9.3
Angular Size 4.5′
glob. cl. , pF, L, iR, vgbM, rr, st 14

Position & Identifiers

RA 16h 25m 48.0s
Dec -72° 12' 00.0"
Constellation Aps
Catalog NGC 6101

Visibility

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Eyepiece View

108x TFOV: 0.5° Lim. mag: 13.3
N E

NGC 6101 · 4.5′ diameter · N up, E left

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About NGC 6101

Description

NGC 6101 is a loose, sparse globular cluster in Apus, about 47,600 light-years away. It spans about 11 arcminutes and shines at magnitude 9.3, making it one of the fainter Caldwell globulars.

Observing Tips

A small, faint glow in a 6-inch telescope. An 8-inch scope begins to resolve a few outer stars. Its sparse nature means it never looks as impressive as the more concentrated globulars. Best from southern latitudes in winter.

History

Discovered by James Dunlop on June 1, 1826 from Australia. It is one of the least concentrated globular clusters known.

Fun Facts

NGC 6101 has one of the lowest central concentrations of any globular cluster. Studies suggest it may contain an intermediate-mass black hole that has gravitationally stirred the cluster, pushing stars outward and preventing core collapse.