M72
globular cluster · Aquarius · 9.4ᵐ
A Messier catalogue object — globular cluster in Aquarius.
Notable facts
About 1/5 the apparent diameter of the Moon.
In brief
Which constellation is M72 in?
M72 lies in Aquarius.
Is M72 visible to the naked eye?
9.4ᵐ — a telescope is needed.
When is the best time to observe M72?
Best observed in August.
Data
- RA / Dec (J2000)
- 20h 54m · −12° 32′
- Type
- globular cluster
- Constellation
- Aquarius
- How to observe
- 9.4ᵐ — a telescope is needed
- Angular size
- 6′
- Designation
- M72 · NGC 6981
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° | 17° | 116° |
| +55° | 22° | 112° |
| +45° | 32° | 108° |
| +30° | 47° | 105° |
| 0° | 77° | 103° |
| −35° | 68° | 105° |
Geometric altitude at upper culmination, atmospheric refraction not included. Positive latitudes are in the northern hemisphere.
Culmination time by month
| Month | Culmination |
|---|---|
| January | 13:08 |
| February | 11:01 |
| March | 09:15 |
| April | 07:22 |
| May | 05:28 |
| June | 03:22 |
| July | 01:18 |
| August | 23:17 |
| September | 21:24 |
| October | 19:35 |
| November | 17:34 |
| December | 15:26 |
Upper culmination in local solar time — no time-zone or daylight-saving correction applied.