Butterfly Cluster (M 6)

Butterfly Cluster (M 6) is an open cluster in the constellation Scorpius, magnitude 4.2, 25′ across.

A bright open cluster whose stars outline a butterfly with open wings. Its brightest member, the orange giant BM Scorpii, stands out among the blue-white stars; best 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 58°N and never sets south of 58°S.

At its highest it stands 8° up from 50°N, 23° up from 35°N, 58° up from the equator, 87° up from 35°S.

Facts

Type

Open cluster

Constellation

Scorpius

Designations

M 6, NGC 6405, Mel 178, Cr 341, Melotte 178, Collinder 341

Magnitude

4.2

Apparent size

25′

Position

RA 17h 40.3m, Dec −32° 15′ (J2000)

Open AstroPilot to see when Butterfly Cluster (M 6) is highest tonight from your location, how easy it is with your telescope or binoculars, and an eyepiece view.