M22
globular cluster · Sagittarius · 5.1ᵐ
One of the brightest globular clusters in the sky and among the first discovered, back in 1665.
Notable facts
About the same apparent size as the full Moon.
In brief
Which constellation is M22 in?
M22 lies in Sagittarius.
Is M22 visible to the naked eye?
5.1ᵐ — visible to the naked eye (under dark skies).
When is the best time to observe M22?
Best observed in June.
Data
- RA / Dec (J2000)
- 18h 36m · −23° 54′
- Type
- globular cluster
- Constellation
- Sagittarius
- How to observe
- 5.1ᵐ — visible to the naked eye (under dark skies)
- Angular size
- 24′
- Designation
- M22 · NGC 6656
Observing tip
In binoculars it is a fuzzy ball; a 100–150 mm telescope starts to resolve individual stars around the edges.
Altitude above the horizon by latitude
| Latitude | Maximum altitude | Rise azimuth |
|---|---|---|
| +60° | 6° | 144° |
| +55° | 11° | 135° |
| +45° | 21° | 125° |
| +30° | 36° | 118° |
| 0° | 66° | 114° |
| −35° | 79° | 120° |
Geometric altitude at upper culmination, atmospheric refraction not included. Positive latitudes are in the northern hemisphere.
Culmination time by month
| Month | Culmination |
|---|---|
| January | 10:51 |
| February | 08:44 |
| March | 06:58 |
| April | 05:05 |
| May | 03:11 |
| June | 01:04 |
| July | 23:01 |
| August | 21:00 |
| September | 19:06 |
| October | 17:18 |
| November | 15:17 |
| December | 13:08 |
Upper culmination in local solar time — no time-zone or daylight-saving correction applied.