M 55 is a globular cluster 17,449 light-years away, in Sagittarius: an ancient, tightly bound swarm of stars in the Milky Way's halo.
Fly there in 3D| Also known as | NGC 6809, GCl 113, C 1936-310 |
| Type | Globular cluster |
| Distance | 17,449 light-years |
| Tidal radius | 170 light-years |
| Core radius | 1.6 arcminutes |
| King concentration | 1.32 |
| Absolute magnitude | -7.35 |
| Constellation | Sagittarius |
| Position (J2000) | RA 294.9988°, Dec -30.9647° |
The light you see left 17,449 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.