M12
globular cluster · Ophiuchus · 6.6ᵐ
A Messier catalogue object — globular cluster in Ophiuchus.
Notable facts
About 1/2 the apparent diameter of the Moon.
In brief
Which constellation is M12 in?
M12 lies in Ophiuchus.
Is M12 visible to the naked eye?
6.6ᵐ — visible with binoculars.
When is the best time to observe M12?
Best observed in June.
Data
- RA / Dec (J2000)
- 16h 47m · −1° 57′
- Type
- globular cluster
- Constellation
- Ophiuchus
- How to observe
- 6.6ᵐ — visible with binoculars
- Angular size
- 14′
- Designation
- M12 · NGC 6218
Observing tip
In binoculars it is a fuzzy ball; a 100–150 mm telescope starts to resolve individual stars around the edges.
Altitude above the horizon by latitude
| Latitude | Maximum altitude | Rise azimuth |
|---|---|---|
| +60° | 28° | 94° |
| +55° | 33° | 93° |
| +45° | 43° | 93° |
| +30° | 58° | 92° |
| 0° | 88° | 92° |
| −35° | 57° | 92° |
Geometric altitude at upper culmination, atmospheric refraction not included. Positive latitudes are in the northern hemisphere.
Culmination time by month
| Month | Culmination |
|---|---|
| January | 09:02 |
| February | 06:54 |
| March | 05:09 |
| April | 03:16 |
| May | 01:21 |
| June | 23:15 |
| July | 21:11 |
| August | 19:10 |
| September | 17:17 |
| October | 15:29 |
| November | 13:28 |
| December | 11:19 |
Upper culmination in local solar time — no time-zone or daylight-saving correction applied.