C79
NGC 3201
Object Data
- Catalog Designation
- C79
- Type
- GlobularCluster
- Constellation
- Vela
- Magnitude
- 6.8
- Right Ascension
- 10h 17m 36.7s
- Declination
- -46° 24' 46.8"
- Distance
- 16,300 light-years
- Angular Size
- 18
Survey Image
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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)
Skybred Mar 2, 2026