Messier 55
Star cluster in Sagittarius · 17,600 light-years
🔭 Explore Messier 55 in the 3D map →| Type | Star cluster |
|---|---|
| Constellation | Sagittarius |
| Distance | 17,600 light-years |
| Apparent magnitude | 6.5 |
| Apparent size | 12′ (arc-minutes) |
| Also known as | M55 · NGC 6809 |
Messier 55 is a star cluster (also catalogued as NGC 6809) 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 12 arc-minutes on the sky. At about magnitude 6.5, 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