C78
Globular Cluster in Corona Australis
About
NGC 6541 is a star ball in Corona Australis, about 23,000–25,000 light-years away. Its core is thought to have collapsed, and 94 blue straggler stars have been identified in it.
Imaging tips
- Too small to frame at ordinary lengths: 2690–4490 mm on APS-C puts the 9′ cluster across the sensor, so use a long focal length.
- Bright enough to work from a light-polluted suburban garden: an 8-inch f/5 reflector with LRGB filters gave a good result there.
- Easy to overlook beside the Corona Australis nebulosity, which is nearby, so give the cluster its own plan and framing.
- Never rises above the horizon from 50°N (peaks about 4° below it) and reaches only about 11° from 35°N. Best in June and July.
Facts
- Size
- 9′
- Magnitude
- 6.9
- Coordinates
- RA 18h 8.0m, Dec −43° 43′
- Framing, APS-C
- 2690–4490 mm
- Framing, full frame
- longer than 4000 mm
- Best months
- Jun, Jul
- Peak altitude
- never rises from 50°N, 11° from 35°N