M 2

Photo by Pittendreigh

A globular cluster of at least 100,000 stars about 50,000 light years distant. The cluster is 150 light years across. At the tremendous distance of this cluster, the Sun would be very dim at magnitude 20.7, only visible in the largest professional telescopes.


HOW TO FIND WITHOUT A COMPUTER
Scan between Beta in Aquarius and Epsilon in Pegasus. M2 can be seen with unaided eye, appearing as a star.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR:
M2 is a beautiful object. It can easily be seen with binoculars. Appears slightly oval.

SELECTED PERSONAL OBSERVATIONS:
November 1, 2008
0250 UTC
Jason binoculars 7x 15x 35
M 2 appears as a bright and diffuse ball of haze in a part of the sky that is sparsely populated by other stars. The central region is not discernible with direct vision. Averted vision reveals a slightly brighter diffuse ball at the center surrounded by a small halo. There are a few resolved stars along the edge of the cluster.
2325 Observing amongst spooks and goblins - November 1, 2008 02:46 UT

14 inch SCT
Appears as a bright, large globular cluster. A large number of stars are easily resolved along the outer edges. The central area has not detail and appears to be consistently bright across the surface.

Questar 3.5
A nice, bright, hazy circular object.