Messier 72
Star cluster in Aquarius · 54,600 light-years
🔭 Explore Messier 72 in the 3D map →| Type | Star cluster |
|---|---|
| Constellation | Aquarius |
| Distance | 54,600 light-years |
| Apparent magnitude | 9 |
| Apparent size | 4.5′ (arc-minutes) |
| Also known as | M72 · NGC 6981 |
Messier 72 is a star cluster (also catalogued as NGC 6981) in Aquarius — 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 4.5 arc-minutes on the sky. At about magnitude 9, it shows up well in a small backyard telescope.
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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