M 23 (NGC 6494)
M 23 (NGC 6494) is an open cluster in the constellation Sagittarius, magnitude 5.5, 27′ across.
A rich, scattered open cluster of about 150 stars in a busy Milky Way field, a fine sight in binoculars or at low power.
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 71°N and never sets south of 71°S.
At its highest it stands 21° up from 50°N, 36° up from 35°N, 71° up from the equator, 74° up from 35°S.
Facts
- Type
- Open cluster
- Constellation
- Sagittarius
- Designations
- NGC 6494, Mel 184, Cr 356, Melotte 184, Collinder 356
- Magnitude
- 5.5
- Apparent size
- 27′
- Position
- RA 17h 57.1m, Dec −18° 59′ (J2000)
Open AstroPilot to see when M 23 (NGC 6494) is highest tonight from your location, how easy it is with your telescope or binoculars, and an eyepiece view.