NGC 1851 · globular cluster

NGC 1851

NGC 1851 is a relatively massive globular cluster located in the southern constellation of Columba.

RA05h 14m 06sDec−40° 02' 48"

Image: NASA/JPL-Caltech/SSC. Source: JPL via images.nasa.gov.

Identity & coordinates

Identification

Primary designation: NGC 1851
All designations: NGC 1851
Object type: Globular Cluster
Constellation: Col
Best viewing: Winter

Coordinates & physical

Right ascension (J2000): 05h 14m 06s
Declination (J2000): −40° 02' 48"
Apparent magnitude (V): —
Distance: —

III

Visibility tonight

The science

NGC 1851 is a relatively massive globular cluster located in the southern constellation of Columba. Astronomer John Dreyer described it as not very bright but very large, round, well resolved, and clearly consisting of stars. It is located 39.5 kilolight-years from the Sun, and 54.1 kilolight-years from the Galactic Center. The cluster is following a highly eccentric orbit through the galaxy, with an eccentricity of about 0.7.

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