M54
globular cluster · Sagittarius · 7.7ᵐ
A Messier catalogue object — globular cluster in Sagittarius.
Notable facts
About 1/3 the apparent diameter of the Moon.
In brief
Which constellation is M54 in?
M54 lies in Sagittarius.
Is M54 visible to the naked eye?
7.7ᵐ — visible with binoculars.
When is the best time to observe M54?
Best observed in July.
Data
- RA / Dec (J2000)
- 18h 55m · −30° 29′
- Type
- globular cluster
- Constellation
- Sagittarius
- How to observe
- 7.7ᵐ — visible with binoculars
- Angular size
- 9′
- Designation
- M54 · NGC 6715
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° | never rises | — |
| +55° | 5° | 152° |
| +45° | 15° | 136° |
| +30° | 30° | 126° |
| 0° | 60° | 120° |
| −35° | 85° | 128° |
Geometric altitude at upper culmination, atmospheric refraction not included. Positive latitudes are in the northern hemisphere.
Culmination time by month
| Month | Culmination |
|---|---|
| January | 11:10 |
| February | 09:02 |
| March | 07:17 |
| April | 05:24 |
| May | 03:29 |
| June | 01:23 |
| July | 23:19 |
| August | 21:18 |
| September | 19:25 |
| October | 17:36 |
| November | 15:36 |
| December | 13:27 |
Upper culmination in local solar time — no time-zone or daylight-saving correction applied.