Globular Cluster M2

Astrophotography by David Gares

Globular Cluster M2

M2 is a rich but compact globular cluster of about 150,000 stars. It is somewhat elliptical in shape. Though it was worthy of being the second object catalogued by Charles Messier, he was unable to resolve M2 into stars and thought it was a nebula. A 10" or larger scope will fully resolve the cluster under good conditions.

Globular Cluster M2
(Click image to enlarge)

Object Details:

Type: Globular star cluster
Constellation: Aquarius
Distance: 37,500 light-years
Diameter: About 160 light-years

Image Details:

Date: August 7, 2004
Site: Harahan, LA
Exposure: CCD, 6 x 2 min.(?)
Filters: Orion SkyGlow LPR
Processing: MSB Astroart 3.0
Telescope: 10" Meade LX200
Reducer: Meade, f/4.3
CCD: Starlight Express MX7C
Autoguider: S.T.A.R. 2000

For more on globular clusters, see my M13 (Hercules) Globular Cluster page.