Visual Astronomy

MESSIER 11
Messier 11
   
RA:
18h 51m 06s
DEC:
-06° 16' 00''
Type:
Open cluster
NGC:
6705
Magnitude:
5.80
Surface brightness :
Apparent dimensions :
14'x14'
Distance:
6,000 ly
   
 

The Wild Duck Cluster (also known as Messier 11, or NGC 6705) is an open cluster in the constellation Scutum. It was discovered by Gottfried Kirch in 1681. Charles Messier included it in his catalogue in 1764.

The Wild Duck Cluster is one of the richest and most compact of the known open clusters, containing about 2900 stars. Its age has been estimated to about 220 million years. Its name derives from the brighter stars forming a triangle which could represent a flying flock of ducks.

 

 

 

 

 

 

VEDRAN VRHOVAC©

2006.-2007.