M2 (NGC 7089)
Also known as M2 · M 2 · NGC 7089
M2 (NGC 7089) is a globular star cluster in the constellation Aquarius, about 39,140 light-years from Earth.
Facts
| Type | Globular star cluster |
|---|---|
| Constellation | Aquarius |
| Position (J2000) | 21h 33m 27s, −0° 49′ |
| Distance | 39,140 light-years (its light set off about 39,140 years ago) |
| Brightness | magnitude 6.25 (smaller is brighter; the faintest stars the eye sees are about 6) |
| Size on the sky | 12.9′ × 12.9′ (the full Moon is about 31′) |
| Filter | No filter (It shines in starlight of every colour, so a nebula filter would only dim it; a dark sky helps more.) |
| Studied in | 1,131 scientific papers (SIMBAD) |
When and how to see it
M2 (NGC 7089) is highest in the sky at midnight in August. From India (about 20° N) it climbs to about 69° above the horizon; from 50° N, to about 39°. To see it you need binoculars.
Heights are worked out for India and for 50° N. Set your location in Settings to see them for where you are.
For tonight's best time from your own town, the darkness and the Moon, open it on the map and see its "Tonight from your location" card.
More in Aquarius
Everything in Aquarius · All 88 constellations · All sky objects
Data: SIMBAD (CDS, Strasbourg; the site's weekly copy) · OpenNGC · Data sources & credits