M62

Credits: NASA, ESA

M62 is a globular star cluster located in the southern constellation Ophiuchus.
The cluster has an apparent magnitude of 7.39 and lies at an approximate distance of 22,200 light years from Earth. It has the designation NGC 6266 in the New General Catalogue.
Messier 62 is one of Charles Messier’s original discoveries. The comet hunter found the cluster on June 7, 1771, but did not take its accurate position until June 4, 1779, which is the date of his catalogue entry.

Facts about M62 by Keith Turnecliff

Messier 62 appears as a small hazy patch in binoculars, while small telescopes reveal a comet-like shape. The cluster’s stars can only be resolved in larger instruments, starting with 8-inch telescopes, which begin to resolve the cluster’s outer regions. The best time of year to observe M62 is during the summer. The cluster can be a tricky target for northern observers as it never rises very high above the southern horizon.

This star chart represents the view from Long Itchington for mid July at 10pm.
Credits: Image courtesy of Starry Night Pro Plus 8, researched and implemented by Keith Turnecliff.