Messier 23

Messier 23 (M23) is a open cluster in the constellation Sagittarius, with an apparent magnitude of 5.5. It is about 2,050 light-years away.

Finder chart for Messier 23 in the constellation Sagittarius
Messier 23 (circled) in Sagittarius. Pink symbols mark Messier objects.
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Facts

CatalogMessier 23 (M23)
Typeopen cluster
ConstellationSagittarius
Apparent magnitude5.5
Distanceabout 2,050 light-years
Right ascension17 h 57.1 min
Declination−18.99°
Best monthAugust (at about 9 pm)

Sources: star positions, magnitudes and colors from the Yale Bright Star Catalogue; constellation boundaries and star names from the IAU; areas and distances from Wikidata; stick figures by M. van der Sluys. How the maps are made.

How to find M23

M23 is in Sagittarius. From 40° N it is highest in the south in August evenings, about 31° up. From 35° S it reaches about 74° in the north. Binoculars show it under a dark sky; a small telescope shows more detail.

Sagittarius constellation →

Other Messier objects in Sagittarius

Lagoon Nebula (M8)Omega Nebula (M17)Messier 18 (M18)Trifid Nebula (M20)Messier 21 (M21)Messier 22 (M22)Sagittarius Star Cloud (M24)Messier 25 (M25)Messier 28 (M28)Messier 54 (M54)Messier 55 (M55)Messier 69 (M69)Messier 70 (M70)Messier 75 (M75)

The Messier catalog →

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