M22 · globular cluster

Messier 22

Messier 22 or M22, also known as NGC 6656 or the Great Sagittarius Cluster, is an elliptical globular cluster of stars in the constellation Sagittarius, near the Galactic bulge region.

RA18h 36m 23sDec−23° 54' 17"

Image: NASA. Source: NASA via images.nasa.gov.

Identity & coordinates

Identification

Primary designation: M22
All designations: M22 · NGC 6656
Object type: Globular Cluster
Constellation: Sagittarius
Best viewing: Summer

Coordinates & physical

Right ascension (J2000): 18h 36m 23s
Declination (J2000): −23° 54' 17"
Apparent magnitude (V): —
Distance: —

III

Visibility tonight

The science

Messier 22 or M22, also known as NGC 6656 or the Great Sagittarius Cluster, is an elliptical globular cluster of stars in the constellation Sagittarius, near the Galactic bulge region. It is one of the brightest globulars visible in the night sky. The brightest stars are 11th magnitude, with hundreds of stars bright enough to resolve with an 8" telescope. It is just south of the sun's position in mid-December, and northeast of Lambda Sagittarii, the northernmost star of the "Teapot" asterism.

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