Messier 18

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

M18 photo from the 2MASS project.
M18 photo from the 2MASS project.
Messier 18
Observation data: J2000.0 epoch
Class: II,3,p,n
Constellation:
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
Mass: ( M)
Radius: 9 ly
VHB:
Estimated age: 32 million years
Notable features:
Other designations: NGC 6613
See also: Open cluster, List of open clusters


Open Cluster M18 (also known as Messier Object 18 or NGC 6613) is an open cluster in the constellation Sagittarius. It was discovered by Charles Messier in 1764 and included in his list of comet-like objects. M18 is situated between the Omega Nebula (M17) and the Sagittarius Star Cloud (M24). Its age is estimated at 32 million years.

[edit] External links