C84 · globular cluster

NGC 5286

NGC 5286 is a globular cluster of stars located some 35,900 light years away in the constellation Centaurus.

RA13h 46m 26sDec−51° 22' 27"

Image: Own work. CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Identity & coordinates

Identification

Primary designation: C84
All designations: C84 · NGC 5286
Object type: Globular Cluster
Constellation: Centaurus
Best viewing: Spring

Coordinates & physical

Right ascension (J2000): 13h 46m 26s
Declination (J2000): −51° 22' 27"
Apparent magnitude (V): —
Distance: —

III

Visibility tonight

The science

NGC 5286 is a globular cluster of stars located some 35,900 light years away in the constellation Centaurus. At this distance, the light from the cluster has undergone reddening from interstellar gas and dust equal to E(B – V) = 0.24 magnitude in the UBV photometric system. The cluster lies 4 arc-minutes north of the naked-eye star M Centauri. It was discovered by Scottish astronomer James Dunlop, active in Australia, and listed in his 1827 catalog.

Summary adapted from Wikipedia · CC-BY-SA-4.0