Globular Cluster, M62
Sketch and Details by Frank McCabe
Globular Cluster M-62 (NGC 6266)
In the halo of the Milky Way our home galaxy there are about 160 or so globular clusters orbiting the galactic center. Like life forms they are mostly alike but each is uniquely different in size, shape, density, chemistry, and the like. At 22,500 light years (l.y.) from us this globular is only 6100 l.y. from the galactic center. This cluster is also known to be distorted in shape from spherical due to tidal forces acting upon it by the galactic center. More than 200 RR Lyrae variable stars reside in this globular, a much higher number than most and in the spring of 2002 Chandra X-ray Observatory discovered a rich population of close X-ray emitting binary stars in this globular. M-62 is located on the Ophiuchus side of the constellation border with Scorpius. From my location near Chicago it never rises higher than 19° above the southern horizon. But even on an average night it is an impressive sight in a moderate telescope. This globular cluster was discovered by Charles Messier 237 years ago last month.
Other Features for M-62
R.A.17hrs. 1 min.; Dec. -30°7 min. Epoch 2000
Average distance between stars 0.25 l.y.
Diameter 100 l.y. across 14 arc minutes
Visual magnitude 6.5
Sketching:
9”x11” white sketching paper; 6B, 4B, HB graphite pencils and a blending stump;
Scanned and inverted; brightness of some stars adjusted with MS Paint.
Scope: 10” f/5.7 Dobsonian: 24 mm widefield eyepiece 60x and 12 mm eyepiece 121x
Date and Time: 7-2-2008, 4:00-4:40 UT
Seeing: Pickering 6/10
Transparency: Below average 2/5
NELM: 4.4
Frank McCabe
Bonjour Frank
I saw M.62 only once, in a Messier rally… I dont dare say how many years ago… When I saw your drawing I immediately remembered that at the time I was intrigued by the off centered look it had. Nobedy could tell me why! Rallies are rallies… I forgot and never got my answer. And here you come, years later, and you give me the answer. Merci. Your drawing induces me to see it again. I’ll give it a try and I’ll have a look in Burnham and O’Meara.
Good seing!
Jacques
Hello Jacques,
Thank you much. I really enjoy globular clusters and most hold up well in light polluted skies. I must confess I was sweeping for globular NGC 6304
when I stumbled across M-62 nearby.
Frank
Frank,
The appearance of this globular reminds me of a comet. Your fine sketch has triggered my curiosity to see if I can look that far south. 🙂
I’m glad to see that these fine globulars are within reach from your back-yard. I look forward to more of your observations, now that we are in the globular season. 🙂
Rony
Rony,
Thank you,
The sky was beautiful on this night. I am glad to hear you enjoy globular season too.
Frank 🙂