VISTA infrared image of the globular star cluster Messier 55
This striking view of the globular star cluster Messier 55 in the constellation of Sagittarius (The Archer) was obtained in infrared light with the VISTA survey telescope at ESO’s Paranal Observatory in Chile. This vast ball of ancient stars is located at a distance of about 17 000 light-years from Earth.
Credit:ESO/J. Emerson/VISTA. Acknowledgment: Cambridge Astronomical Survey Unit
About the Image
| Id: | eso1220a |
| Type: | Observation |
| Release date: | 9 May 2012, 12:00 |
| Related releases: | eso1220 |
| Size: | 3000 x 3000 px |
About the Object
| Name: | Messier 55 |
| Type: | Milky Way : Star : Grouping : Cluster : Globular |
| Distance: | 17000 light years |
| Constellation: | Sagittarius |
| Category: | Star Clusters |
Coordinates
| Position (RA): | 19 39 59.74 |
| Position (Dec): | -30° 57' 53.04" |
| Field of view: | 17.05 x 17.05 arcminutes |
| Orientation: | North is 0.0° left of vertical |
View in WorldWide Telescope:
Colours & filters
| Band | Telescope |
|---|---|
| Infrared Y | Visible and Infrared Survey Telescope for Astronomy VIRCAM |
| Infrared H | Visible and Infrared Survey Telescope for Astronomy VIRCAM |