... М79 < М80 > М81 ...

Globular star cluster M80

Globular star cluster M80 is in the constellation Scorpius (Sco).

Equatorial coordinates (epoch J2000):
Ra (α):16^h17.0^m, Dec (δ):-22° 59'

Visual magnitude: 7,3^m
Distance from the star clusters M80 to the Sun is 48260 light years
Angular size: 9'
Class: II
External dimensions the star clusters M80 are about 125 light years.
Estimated weight the star clusters: 400x10³ suns

Discoverer: Charles Messier, 1781 year.

The designation M80 in other catalogs: NGC 6093

M80 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 M80, depending on the aperture of the telescope (D), is about D/3-0.8D. 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 M80 is June. 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.

For observers in the northern and middle latitudes:The nights in June are very light, so try to observe M80 also in May and in July.
Of course, these months are also not very dark, in addition the object is at midnight not at its highest point, whichprovides the least exposure and atmospheric distortion, but the sense is still there. The farther south the location of your observatory is located, the darker the sky will be.

Мessier 79

Мessier 81

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