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Messier 19 |
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 | M19 is a globular cluster in the constellation of Ophiuchus, located about nine degrees above (north) of the galactic plane and slightly west of the line of sight from Earth to the galactic center. It's actually on the opposite side of the galactic center from Earth, so despite being over 28000 light-years from Earth, M19 is one of the Messier globulars closest to the center of the Milky Way, at a little more than 5000 light-years. M19 is moving away from us at a rate of 146 kilometers per second. This is a small and fairly faint globular. An 8-inch scope at 122X, it did start to take on a grainy appearance. However, even at a higher power I could not resolve any individual stars. If this was higher in the sky, it would probably look a little better. At low power, it does resemble a comet somewhat, which is no doubt why Messier included this on his list. |
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M19 NGC 6273 Other description: Globular cluster. Constellation: Ophiuchus Dreyer description: Globular cluster, very bright, large, round, very compressed middle, well resolved, stars of magnitude 16; = M19. Magnitude: 7.2 RA: 17h 02m 52.6s Dec: -26°16'28" RA: 17h 02m 36.0s Dec: -26°16'00" (Epoch 2000) Azm: 278°42'35" Alt: -45°32'51" Rise: 19:51 Transit: 23:50 Set: 03:53 Size:13.5' |