Messier 54

Messier 54 (M54) is a globular cluster in the constellation Sagittarius, with an apparent magnitude of 7.6. It is about 97,847 light-years away.

Finder chart for Messier 54 in the constellation Sagittarius
Messier 54 (circled) in Sagittarius. Pink symbols mark Messier objects.
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Facts

CatalogMessier 54 (M54)
Typeglobular cluster
ConstellationSagittarius
Apparent magnitude7.6
Distanceabout 97,847 light-years
Right ascension18 h 55.1 min
Declination−30.48°
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 M54

M54 is in Sagittarius. From 40° N it is highest in the south in August evenings, about 20° up. From 35° S it reaches about 85° 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)Messier 23 (M23)Sagittarius Star Cloud (M24)Messier 25 (M25)Messier 28 (M28)Messier 55 (M55)Messier 69 (M69)Messier 70 (M70)Messier 75 (M75)

The Messier catalog →

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