Messier 23
Star cluster in Sagittarius · 2,150 light-years
🔭 Explore Messier 23 in the 3D map →| Type | Star cluster |
|---|---|
| Constellation | Sagittarius |
| Distance | 2,150 light-years |
| Apparent magnitude | 5.5 |
| Apparent size | 16.8′ (arc-minutes) |
| Also known as | M23 · NGC 6494 |
Messier 23 is a star cluster (also catalogued as NGC 6494) in Sagittarius — a gravitationally bound family of stars sharing a common origin. It was recorded by Charles Messier in his famous catalogue of 110 deep-sky objects. It spans roughly 16.8 arc-minutes on the sky. At about magnitude 5.5, it is an easy target for binoculars and small telescopes.
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Related objects
- Pleiades — star cluster
- Hercules Cluster — star cluster
- Small Sgr Star Cloud — star cluster
- Messier 25 — star cluster
- Messier 103 — star cluster