Sagittarius Star Cloud
group of stars · Sagittarius · 4.5ᵐ
Not a cluster but a window: a gap in the dust clouds opens a view deep into a neighbouring spiral arm. The densest star field binoculars will show you anywhere in the sky.
Notable facts
About 2.9 times the width of the full Moon in the sky.
In brief
Which constellation is Sagittarius Star Cloud in?
Sagittarius Star Cloud lies in Sagittarius.
Is Sagittarius Star Cloud visible to the naked eye?
4.5ᵐ — visible to the naked eye (under dark skies).
When is the best time to observe Sagittarius Star Cloud?
Best observed in June.
Data
- RA / Dec (J2000)
- 18h 17m · −18° 29′
- Type
- group of stars
- Constellation
- Sagittarius
- How to observe
- 4.5ᵐ — visible to the naked eye (under dark skies)
- Angular size
- 90′
- Designation
- M24 · Milky Way patch
Observing tip
Discernible with the naked eye or binoculars — a telescope would only narrow the field.
Altitude above the horizon by latitude
| Latitude | Maximum altitude | Rise azimuth |
|---|---|---|
| +60° | 12° | 129° |
| +55° | 17° | 124° |
| +45° | 27° | 117° |
| +30° | 42° | 111° |
| 0° | 72° | 108° |
| −35° | 73° | 113° |
Geometric altitude at upper culmination, atmospheric refraction not included. Positive latitudes are in the northern hemisphere.
Culmination time by month
| Month | Culmination |
|---|---|
| January | 10:31 |
| February | 08:24 |
| March | 06:39 |
| April | 04:45 |
| May | 02:51 |
| June | 00:45 |
| July | 22:41 |
| August | 20:40 |
| September | 18:47 |
| October | 16:58 |
| November | 14:58 |
| December | 12:49 |
Upper culmination in local solar time — no time-zone or daylight-saving correction applied.