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Globular star cluster M72

Globular star cluster M72 is in the constellation Aquarius (Aqr).

Equatorial coordinates (epoch J2000):
Ra (α):20^h53.5^m, Dec (δ):-12° 32'

Visual magnitude: 10,0^m
Distance from the star clusters M72 to the Sun is 58510 light years
Angular size: 6'
Class: IX
External dimensions the star clusters M72 are about 100 light years.
Estimated weight the star clusters: 200x10³ suns

Discoverer: Pierre François André Méchain, 1780 year.

The designation M72 in other catalogs: NGC 6981

Optimum magnification for a telescope with observations of M72, depending on the aperture of the telescope (D), is about D/3-D. Higher magnifications of course add details, but lead to a strong drop in the brightness of the image, making it difficult to observe.

The best month for observing M72 is September. At this time, the object is at midnight near its highest point in the sky, that is, it is less affected by light from the lanterns and atmospheric distortions.

Мessier 71

Мessier 73

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