Messier 72

Messier 72 (M72) is a globular cluster in the constellation Aquarius, with an apparent magnitude of 9.0. It is about 55,500 light-years away.

Finder chart for Messier 72 in the constellation Aquarius
Messier 72 (circled) in Aquarius. Pink symbols mark Messier objects.
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Facts

CatalogMessier 72 (M72)
Typeglobular cluster
ConstellationAquarius
Apparent magnitude9.0
Distanceabout 55,500 light-years
Right ascension20 h 53.5 min
Declination−12.54°
Best monthSeptember (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 M72

M72 is in Aquarius. From 40° N it is highest in the south in September evenings, about 37° up. From 35° S it reaches about 68° in the north. You need a telescope and a dark sky to see it.

Aquarius constellation →

Other Messier objects in Aquarius

Messier 2 (M2)Messier 73 (M73)

The Messier catalog →

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