| Messier 18 | |
|---|---|
M18 photo from the 2MASS project. |
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| Observation data (J2000.0 epoch) | |
| 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 | |
| Radius | 9 ly |
| Estimated age | 32 million years |
| Other designations | NGC 6613 |
| See also: Open cluster, List of open clusters | |
Messier 18 or M18 (also designated NGC 6613) is an open cluster of stars in the constellation Sagittarius. It was discovered by Charles Messier in 1764 and included in his list of comet-like objects. From the perspective of Earth, M18 is situated between the Omega Nebula (M17) and the Sagittarius Star Cloud (M24). Its age is estimated at 32 million years. It is 4,900 light-years away.
Coordinates: 18h 19m 54s, +17° 07′ 60″
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