M 12 is a globular cluster 16,667 light-years away, in Ophiuchus: an ancient, tightly bound swarm of stars in the Milky Way's halo.
Fly there in 3D| Also known as | NGC 6218, GCl 46, C 1644-018 |
| Type | Globular cluster |
| Distance | 16,667 light-years |
| Tidal radius | 149 light-years |
| Core radius | 0.78 arcminutes |
| King concentration | 1.595 |
| Absolute magnitude | -6.45 |
| Constellation | Ophiuchus |
| Position (J2000) | RA 251.8091°, Dec -1.9485° |
The light you see left 16,667 years ago, in the ice ages, when our own species lived by hunting and gathering. Its stars were born together and still move together through the Milky Way's halo.
In galaxy mode, search for it on the map or follow the link above: the autopilot flies there. The cluster is drawn at its catalogued place and size; its individual stars are illustrative.