M22
globular cluster · Sagittarius · 5.1ᵐ
One of the brightest globular clusters in the sky and among the first discovered, back in 1665.
Notable facts
About 1/1 the apparent diameter of the Moon.
In brief
Which constellation is M22 in?
M22 lies in Sagittarius.
Is M22 visible to the naked eye?
5.1ᵐ — visible to the naked eye (under dark skies).
When is the best time to observe M22?
Best observed in June.
Data
- RA / Dec (J2000)
- 18h 36m · −23° 54′
- Type
- globular cluster
- Constellation
- Sagittarius
- How to observe
- 5.1ᵐ — visible to the naked eye (under dark skies)
- Angular size
- 24′
- Designation
- M22 · NGC 6656
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° | 6° | 144° |
| +55° | 11° | 135° |
| +45° | 21° | 125° |
| +30° | 36° | 118° |
| 0° | 66° | 114° |
| −35° | 79° | 120° |
Geometric altitude at upper culmination, atmospheric refraction not included. Positive latitudes are in the northern hemisphere.
Culmination time by month
| Month | Culmination |
|---|---|
| January | 10:51 |
| February | 08:44 |
| March | 06:58 |
| April | 05:05 |
| May | 03:11 |
| June | 01:04 |
| July | 23:01 |
| August | 21:00 |
| September | 19:06 |
| October | 17:18 |
| November | 15:17 |
| December | 13:08 |
Upper culmination in local solar time — no time-zone or daylight-saving correction applied.