M23
open cluster · Sagittarius · 5.5ᵐ
A Messier catalogue object — open cluster in Sagittarius.
Notable facts
About 1/1 the apparent diameter of the Moon.
In brief
Which constellation is M23 in?
M23 lies in Sagittarius.
Is M23 visible to the naked eye?
5.5ᵐ — visible to the naked eye (under dark skies).
When is the best time to observe M23?
Best observed in June.
Data
- RA / Dec (J2000)
- 17h 57m · −19° 01′
- Type
- open cluster
- Constellation
- Sagittarius
- How to observe
- 5.5ᵐ — visible to the naked eye (under dark skies)
- Angular size
- 27′
- Designation
- M23 · NGC 6494
Observing tip
Best in binoculars or a telescope at low power, so the whole cluster fits in the field of view.
Altitude above the horizon by latitude
| Latitude | Maximum altitude | Rise azimuth |
|---|---|---|
| +60° | 11° | 131° |
| +55° | 16° | 125° |
| +45° | 26° | 117° |
| +30° | 41° | 112° |
| 0° | 71° | 109° |
| −35° | 74° | 113° |
Geometric altitude at upper culmination, atmospheric refraction not included. Positive latitudes are in the northern hemisphere.
Culmination time by month
| Month | Culmination |
|---|---|
| January | 10:11 |
| February | 08:04 |
| March | 06:19 |
| April | 04:25 |
| May | 02:31 |
| June | 00:25 |
| July | 22:21 |
| August | 20:20 |
| September | 18:27 |
| October | 16:38 |
| November | 14:37 |
| December | 12:29 |
Upper culmination in local solar time — no time-zone or daylight-saving correction applied.