NGC 288

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NGC 288
Observation data: J2000 epoch
Class: X[1]
Constellation: Sculptor
Right ascension: 00h 52m 45.3s[2]
Declination: -26° 34′ 43″[2]
Distance: ()
Apparent magnitude (V): 9.37[2]
Apparent dimensions (V): 13′.8[1]
Physical characteristics
Mass: ( M)
Radius:
VHB:
Estimated age:
Notable features:
Other designations: Melotte 3[2]
See also: Globular cluster, List of globular clusters


NGC 288 is a globular cluster in the constellation Sculptor. Its visual appearance was described by John Dreyer in 1888.[3] It is located about 1°.8 south-southest of the galaxy NGC 253, 15′ south of an 8th magnitude star, and encompassed by a half-circular chain of stars that opens on its southwest side.[1] It can be observed through binoculars.[1] It is not very concentrated and has a well resolved, large 3′ dense core that is surrounded by a much more diffuse and irregular 9′ diameter ring.[1] Peripheral members extend farther outward towards the south and especially southwest.[1]

[edit] External links

[edit] References

  1. ^ a b c d e f Kepple, George Robert; Glen W. Sanner (1998). The Night Sky Observer's Guide, Volume 2. Willmann-Bell, Inc., 365, 372. ISBN 0-943396-60-3. 
  2. ^ a b c d SIMBAD Astronomical Database. Results for extended name search on NGC 288. Retrieved on 2007-02-10.
  3. ^ Dreyer, J. L. E. (1888). "A New General Catalogue of Nebulae and Clusters of Stars,being the Catalogue of the late Sir John F.W. Herschel, Bart., revised, corrected, and enlarged.". Memoirs of the Royal Astronomical Society 49: 1-237.