M 56 is a globular cluster 34,018 light-years away, in Lyra: an ancient, tightly bound swarm of stars in the Milky Way's halo.
Fly there in 3D| Also known as | NGC 6779, GCl 110, C 1914+300 |
| Type | Globular cluster |
| Distance | 34,018 light-years |
| Tidal radius | 301 light-years |
| Core radius | 0.323 arcminutes |
| King concentration | 1.973 |
| Absolute magnitude | -6.94 |
| Constellation | Lyra |
| Position (J2000) | RA 289.1482°, Dec 30.1835° |
The light you see left 34,018 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.