M 54

Globular cluster · 85,714 light-years

M 54 is a globular cluster 85,714 light-years away, in Sagittarius: an ancient, tightly bound swarm of stars in the Milky Way's halo.

Fly there in 3D

Facts

Also known asNGC 6715, GCl 104, C 1851-305
TypeGlobular cluster
Distance85,714 light-years
Tidal radius910 light-years
Core radius0.072 arcminutes
King concentration2.705
Absolute magnitude-9.53
ConstellationSagittarius
Position (J2000)RA 283.7638°, Dec -30.4799°

Its light

The light you see left 85,714 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.

Nearest named clusters and galaxies to it

In Orrery Space

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.

Sources

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