M 72 is a globular cluster 54,338 light-years away, in Aquarius: an ancient, tightly bound swarm of stars in the Milky Way's halo.
Fly there in 3D| Also known as | NGC 6981, GCl 118, C 2050-127 |
| Type | Globular cluster |
| Distance | 54,338 light-years |
| Tidal radius | 176 light-years |
| Core radius | 0.433 arcminutes |
| King concentration | 1.41 |
| Absolute magnitude | -6.79 |
| Constellation | Aquarius |
| Position (J2000) | RA 313.3654°, Dec -12.5373° |
The light you see left 54,338 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.