M56
globular cluster · Lyra · 8.2ᵐ
A Messier catalogue object — globular cluster in Lyra.
Notable facts
About 1/4 the apparent diameter of the Moon.
In brief
Which constellation is M56 in?
M56 lies in Lyra.
Is M56 visible to the naked eye?
8.2ᵐ — visible with binoculars.
When is the best time to observe M56?
Best observed in July.
Data
- RA / Dec (J2000)
- 19h 17m · +30° 11′
- Type
- globular cluster
- Constellation
- Lyra
- How to observe
- 8.2ᵐ — visible with binoculars
- Angular size
- 7′
- Designation
- M56 · NGC 6779
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° | 60° · never sets | — |
| +55° | 65° | 29° |
| +45° | 75° | 45° |
| +30° | 90° | 55° |
| 0° | 60° | 60° |
| −35° | 25° | 52° |
Geometric altitude at upper culmination, atmospheric refraction not included. Positive latitudes are in the northern hemisphere.
Culmination time by month
| Month | Culmination |
|---|---|
| January | 11:31 |
| February | 09:24 |
| March | 07:38 |
| April | 05:45 |
| May | 03:51 |
| June | 01:45 |
| July | 23:41 |
| August | 21:40 |
| September | 19:47 |
| October | 17:58 |
| November | 15:57 |
| December | 13:49 |
Upper culmination in local solar time — no time-zone or daylight-saving correction applied.