Deep space
Messier 12
Globular cluster · M12 · NGC 6218
Globular cluster in Ophiuchus
Photo: ESA/Hubble & NASA · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons
Messier 12 or M 12 is a globular cluster in the constellation of Ophiuchus. It was discovered by the French astronomer Charles Messier on May 30, 1764, who described it as a "nebula without stars". In dark conditions this cluster can be faintly seen with a pair of binoculars. Resolving the stellar components requires a telescope with an aperture of 8 in (20 cm) or greater. In a 10 in (25 cm) scope, the granular core shows a diameter of 3′ (arcminutes) surrounded by a 10′ halo of stars.
Description from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0).
In your sky
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Key facts
Distance
~15,700 light-years
Apparent mag.
+6.7
Apparent size
16′
Best seen with
Binoculars
Catalogue
M12 · NGC 6218
Did you know
- Listed as Messier 12 in the Messier catalogue, also known as NGC 6218.
- Found in the constellation Ophiuchus.
- Within reach of ordinary binoculars under dark skies.
