Celestial hemisphere:  Southern  ·  Constellation: Ophiuchus (Oph)  ·  Contains:  M 62  ·  NGC 6266
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M62, Gary Imm
M62, Gary Imm

M62

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M62, Gary Imm
M62, Gary Imm

M62

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Description

This Messier globular cluster is located 21,000 light years away in the constellation of Ophiuchus at a declination of -30 degrees.  It is a magnitude 6.4 cluster which spans 14 arc-minutes in our apparent view.  This corresponds to a diameter of 90 light years.

As compared to other Messier globular clusters, this cluster is about average in brightness, size, and distance.  It  has a stronger than normal concentration, with a Shapley–Sawyer Rating of 4 (out of 12). 

This cluster is the closest Messier globular to the center of our galaxy.  Some say that, because of this gravitational pull, M62 has an asymmetric appearance.  I don't see anything unusual with its appearance in that regard, except for a bit of dust at the lower left outer region.

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