Butterfly Cluster (M6)

Butterfly Cluster (M6) is a open cluster in the constellation Scorpius, with an apparent magnitude of 4.5. It is about 1,588 light-years away.

Finder chart for the Butterfly Cluster (M6) in the constellation Scorpius
the Butterfly Cluster (M6) (circled) in Scorpius. Pink symbols mark Messier objects.
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Facts

CatalogMessier 6 (M6)
Typeopen cluster
ConstellationScorpius
Apparent magnitude4.5
Distanceabout 1,588 light-years
Right ascension17 h 40.3 min
Declination−32.25°
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 the Butterfly Cluster

The Butterfly Cluster is in Scorpius. From 40° N it is highest in the south in August evenings, about 18° up. From 35° S it reaches about 87° in the north. It is visible to the naked eye under a dark sky and easy in binoculars.

Scorpius constellation →

Other Messier objects in Scorpius

Messier 4 (M4)Ptolemy Cluster (M7)Messier 80 (M80)

The Messier catalog →

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