The globular star cluster Messier 4
This image from the Wide Field Imager attached to the MPG/ESO 2.2-metre telescope at ESO’s La Silla Observatory shows the spectacular globular star cluster Messier 4. This great ball of ancient stars is one of the closest of such stellar systems to the Earth and appears in the constellation of Scorpius (The Scorpion) close to the bright red star Antares.
Credit:ESO
Acknowledgement: ESO Imaging Survey
About the Image
| Id: | eso1235a |
| Type: | Observation |
| Release date: | 5 September 2012, 12:00 |
| Related releases: | eso1235 |
| Size: | 7982 x 7712 px |
About the Object
| Name: | M 4, Messier 4, NGC 6121 |
| Type: | Milky Way : Star : Grouping : Cluster : Globular |
| Distance: | 7000 light years |
| Constellation: | Scorpius |
| Category: | Star Clusters |
Image Formats
Coordinates
| Position (RA): | 16 23 35.05 |
| Position (Dec): | -26° 30' 52.37" |
| Field of view: | 31.68 x 30.61 arcminutes |
| Orientation: | North is 0.0° right of vertical |
View in WorldWide Telescope:
Colours & filters
| Band | Wavelength | Telescope |
|---|---|---|
| Optical B | 456 nm | MPG/ESO 2.2-metre telescope WFI |
| Optical V | 540 nm | MPG/ESO 2.2-metre telescope WFI |
| Infrared I | 784 nm | MPG/ESO 2.2-metre telescope WFI |