... М78 < М79 > М80 ...

Globular star cluster M79

Globular star cluster M79 is in the constellation Lepus (Lep).

Equatorial coordinates (epoch J2000):
Ra (α):05^h24.2^m, Dec (δ):-24° 31'

Visual magnitude: 8,5^m
Distance from the star clusters M79 to the Sun is 45000 light years
Angular size: 6'
Class: V
External dimensions the star clusters M79 are about 80 light years.
Estimated weight the star clusters: 400x10³ suns

Discoverer: Pierre François André Méchain, 1780 year.

The designation M79 in other catalogs: NGC 1904

M79 in the middle latitudes is located quite low above the horizon, so observation is difficult due to atmospheric distortions.
In the northern latitudes is not visible. Optimum magnification for a telescope with observations of M79, 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 M79 is January. 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 78

Мessier 80

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