Milky Way patch
group of stars · Sagittarius · 4.5ᵐ
A Messier catalogue object — group of stars in Sagittarius.
Notable facts
Covers about 2.9 times more sky than the Moon.
In brief
Which constellation is Milky Way patch in?
Milky Way patch lies in Sagittarius.
Is Milky Way patch visible to the naked eye?
4.5ᵐ — visible to the naked eye (under dark skies).
When is the best time to observe Milky Way patch?
Best observed in June.
Data
- RA / Dec (J2000)
- 18h 17m · −18° 29′
- Type
- group of stars
- Constellation
- Sagittarius
- How to observe
- 4.5ᵐ — visible to the naked eye (under dark skies)
- Angular size
- 90′
- Designation
- M24 · Milky Way patch
Observing tip
Discernible with the naked eye or binoculars — a telescope would only narrow the field.
Altitude above the horizon by latitude
| Latitude | Maximum altitude | Rise azimuth |
|---|---|---|
| +60° | 12° | 129° |
| +55° | 17° | 124° |
| +45° | 27° | 117° |
| +30° | 42° | 111° |
| 0° | 72° | 108° |
| −35° | 73° | 113° |
Geometric altitude at upper culmination, atmospheric refraction not included. Positive latitudes are in the northern hemisphere.
Culmination time by month
| Month | Culmination |
|---|---|
| January | 10:31 |
| February | 08:24 |
| March | 06:39 |
| April | 04:45 |
| May | 02:51 |
| June | 00:45 |
| July | 22:41 |
| August | 20:40 |
| September | 18:47 |
| October | 16:58 |
| November | 14:58 |
| December | 12:49 |
Upper culmination in local solar time — no time-zone or daylight-saving correction applied.