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Field is filled with white stars, smattered with blue-white and reddish-orange stars. Stars are concentrated at the center of the image. All are on a black background.
Hubble · Messier 55 · NASA, ESA, A. Sarajedini (Florida Atlantic University), and M. Libralato (STScI, ESA, JWST); Image Processing: Gladys Kober

Messier 55

Star cluster in Sagittarius · 17,600 light-years

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TypeStar cluster
ConstellationSagittarius
Right ascension19h 39m 59s
Declination−30° 58′
Object distance17,600 light-years
Apparent magnitude6.5
Apparent size12′ (arc-minutes)
Approx. true diameter61.4 light-years across
Also known asM55 · 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.

Although it appears about 12′ wide on the sky, its real span is roughly 61.4 light-years — the difference is a measure of how far away it lies.

Observing Messier 55

Messier 55 lies in the constellation Sagittarius and is best placed in the evening sky around July. Its maximum altitude above the horizon depends on your latitude. It is best placed for observers in the southern hemisphere, and sits low for those far north. It is a comfortable target for binoculars and small telescopes.

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