M26 · open cluster

Messier 26

Messier 26, also known as NGC 6694, is an open cluster of stars in the southern constellation of Scutum.

RA18h 45m 18sDec−09° 23' 00"

Image: Hillary Mathis, Vanessa Harvey, REU program/NOIRLab/NSF/AURA. CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Identity & coordinates

Identification

Primary designation: M26
All designations: M26 · NGC 6694
Object type: Open Cluster
Constellation: Scutum
Best viewing: Summer

Coordinates & physical

Right ascension (J2000): 18h 45m 18s
Declination (J2000): −09° 23' 00"
Apparent magnitude (V): —
Distance: —

III

Visibility tonight

The science

Messier 26, also known as NGC 6694, is an open cluster of stars in the southern constellation of Scutum. It was discovered by Charles Messier in 1764. This 8th magnitude cluster is a challenge to find in ideal skies with typical binoculars, where it can be, with any modern minimum 3-inch (76 mm) aperture device. It is south-southwest of the open cluster Messier 11 and is 14′ across. About 25 stars are visible in a telescope with a 150–200 mm (6–8 in) aperture.

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