C87 · globular cluster

NGC 1261

NGC 1261 is a globular cluster of stars in the southern constellation of Horologium, first discovered by Scottish astronomer James Dunlop in 1826.

RA03h 12m 16sDec−55° 12' 58"

Image: Lithopsian. CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Identity & coordinates

Identification

Primary designation: C87
All designations: C87 · NGC 1261
Object type: Globular Cluster
Constellation: Horologium
Best viewing: Winter

Coordinates & physical

Right ascension (J2000): 03h 12m 16s
Declination (J2000): −55° 12' 58"
Apparent magnitude (V): —
Distance: —

III

Visibility tonight

The science

NGC 1261 is a globular cluster of stars in the southern constellation of Horologium, first discovered by Scottish astronomer James Dunlop in 1826. The cluster is located at a distance of 53 kilolight-years from the Sun, and 59 kilolight-years from the Galactic Center. It is about 10.24 billion years old with 341,000 times the mass of the Sun. The cluster does not display the normal indications of core collapse, but evidence suggests it may have instead passed through a post core-collapse bounce state within the past two billion years. The central luminosity density is 2.22 L☉·pc−3, which is low for a globular cluster. Despite this, it has a Shapley–Sawyer Concentration Class of II, indicating a dense central concentration.

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