C79
Globular Cluster in Vela
About
NGC 3201, a loose globular cluster in Vela about 16,300 light-years away. Stellar-mass black holes have been found in it through the motions of the stars that orbit them.
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.
- Its stars are thinly packed toward the centre, so the cluster looks open and loose rather than sharply peaked.
- Broadband data (LRGB or RGB) suits a globular cluster, and at 20.1 mag/arcsec² it is not a faint target.
- Never rises above the horizon from 50°N (peaks about 6° below it) and reaches only about 9° from 35°N. Best in February and March.
Facts
- Size
- 9′
- Magnitude
- 6.7
- Coordinates
- RA 10h 17.6m, Dec −46° 25′
- Framing, APS-C
- 2690–4490 mm
- Framing, full frame
- longer than 4000 mm
- Best months
- Feb, Mar
- Peak altitude
- never rises from 50°N, 9° from 35°N