Deep space
NGC 1851
Globular cluster · C73 · NGC 1851
Globular cluster in Columba
Photo: NASA/JPL-Caltech/SSC · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons
NGC 1851 is a relatively massive globular cluster located in the southern constellation of Columba. Astronomer John Dreyer described it as not very bright but very large, round, well resolved, and clearly consisting of stars. It is located 39.5 kilolight-years from the Sun, and 54.1 kilolight-years from the Galactic Center. The cluster is following a highly eccentric orbit through the galaxy, with an eccentricity of about 0.7.
Description from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0).
In your sky
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Key facts
Distance
~39,400 light-years
Apparent mag.
+7.3
Apparent size
9.0′
Best seen with
Binoculars
Catalogue
C73 · NGC 1851
Did you know
- Listed as Caldwell 73 in the Caldwell catalogue, also known as NGC 1851.
- Found in the constellation Columba.
- Within reach of ordinary binoculars under dark skies.
