M 72, SkipRapp

M 72

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Description

M 72 ( also known as NGC 6981) is a globular cluster located in constellation Aquarius. Originally it was indentified as a faint nebula rather than a cluster. In later years with a larger telescope it was determined to be a cluster of stars of a round figure, therefore, it is known as a globular cluster. It is 60,000 light years from the earth. M72 was discovered by French Astronomer Pierre Mechain on August 29, 1780. Charles Messier looked at it the following October 4 and included it in his catalog. British Astronomer John Herschel was the one to determine it was the globular cluster well after the original discovery.

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M 72, SkipRapp