Messier 73
Nebula in Aquarius · 2,500 light-years
🔭 Explore Messier 73 in the 3D map →View Messier 73 images →| Type | Nebula |
|---|---|
| Constellation | Aquarius |
| Right ascension | 20h 58m 56s |
| Declination | −12° 38′ |
| Object distance | 2,500 light-years |
| Apparent magnitude | 8.9 |
| Also known as | M73 · NGC 6994 |
Messier 73 is a nebula (also catalogued as NGC 6994) in Aquarius — a glowing cloud of interstellar gas and dust. It was recorded by Charles Messier in his famous catalogue of 110 deep-sky objects. At about magnitude 8.9, it shows up well in a small backyard telescope.
Observing Messier 73
Messier 73 lies in the constellation Aquarius and is best placed in the evening sky around August. Its maximum altitude above the horizon depends on your latitude. Lying near the celestial equator, it can be seen from both hemispheres. A small backyard telescope will show it; binoculars may hint at it under dark skies. Note that the listed magnitude is spread across the whole object — diffuse galaxies and nebulae are often harder to see than the number alone suggests, so dark, moonless skies help a great deal.
See Messier 73 in Universe Finder
Open the interactive 3D map to fly to Messier 73 and see it in context among the real stars around it. Launch the 3D view →
Sources
- Position, magnitude and angular size from the OpenNGC catalogue (Mattia Verga).
- Object identity cross-referenced with SIMBAD (CDS, Strasbourg).
- Image credits and the original observation source are linked with each photograph.
Related objects
- Orion Nebula — nebula
- Ring Nebula — nebula
- Eagle Nebula — nebula
- Carina Nebula — nebula
- Lagoon Nebula — nebula