M 18 (NGC 6613)
M 18 (NGC 6613) is an open cluster in the constellation Sagittarius, magnitude 7.5, 9.0′ across.
A small, sparse open cluster of a couple of dozen stars, lying between the Omega Nebula (M17) and the Small Sagittarius Star Cloud (M24).
When and where to see it
It is best placed in the evening sky around July, when it crosses the meridian at about 10 pm local time (around midnight in June). It can be seen from everywhere south of 73°N and never sets south of 73°S.
At its highest it stands 23° up from 50°N, 38° up from 35°N, 73° up from the equator, 72° up from 35°S.
Facts
- Type
- Open cluster
- Constellation
- Sagittarius
- Designations
- NGC 6613, Black Swan Cluster
- Magnitude
- 7.5
- Apparent size
- 9.0′
- Position
- RA 18h 20.0m, Dec −17° 6′ (J2000)
Open AstroPilot to see when M 18 (NGC 6613) is highest tonight from your location, how easy it is with your telescope or binoculars, and an eyepiece view.