Messier 18

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Messier 18
Messier18.jpg
M18 photo from the 2MASS project.
Observation data (J2000.0 epoch)
Right ascension 18h 19.9m
Declination −17° 08′
Distance 4.9 kly (1.5 kPc)
Apparent magnitude (V) 7.5
Apparent dimensions (V) 9.0′
Physical characteristics
Radius 9 ly
Estimated age 32 million years
Other designations NGC 6613
See also: Open cluster, List of open clusters

Messier 18 or M18 (also designated NGC 6613) is an open cluster of stars in the constellation Sagittarius. It was discovered by Charles Messier in 1764 and included in his list of comet-like objects. From the perspective of Earth, M18 is situated between the Omega Nebula (M17) and the Sagittarius Star Cloud (M24). Its age is estimated at 32 million years. It is 4,900 light-years away.

File:M18map.png
Map showing location of M18 (Roberto Mura)

External links

Coordinates: Sky map 18h 19m 54s, −17° 07′ 60″

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