Messier 23

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Messier 23
Observation data (J2000 epoch)
Constellation	Sagittarius
Right ascension	17h 56.8m
Declination	−19° 01′
Distance	2.15 kly (659 Pc)
Apparent magnitude (V)	6.9
Apparent dimensions (V)	27.0′
Other designations	NGC 6494
See also: Open cluster, List of open clusters

Messier 23 (also known as NGC 6494) is an open cluster in the constellation Sagittarius. It was discovered by Charles Messier on June 20, 1764.

M23 is at a distance of about 2,150 light-years away from Earth, its radius is around 15-20 light years. There are some 150 identified members in this cluster, the brightest being of magnitude 9.2. M23 can be found with a modestly sized telescope in the rich starfields of the Sagittarius Milky Way.

[edit] External links

• Messier 23, SEDS Messier pages