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| M19, A globular cluster (NGC 6613) |
| M19 was one of Charles Messier's original discoveries, detected on June 5, 1764. In 1784. It is the most oblate known globular cluster. There could be twice as many stars along the major (verticle) axis as along the minor (horizontal). This deformation of the cluster from the globular shape may have to do with its proximity to the Galactic Center: While about 28,000 light years away from us, it is quite near to the Galactic Center, only about 5,200 light years away. It is located nine degrees North (above) the galactic plane and slightly west of the Galactic Center. As seen from Earth; it is perhaps very slightly more remote from us than the center of the Milky Way. M19 is receding from us at 146 km/sec. M19 is fairly rich and dense, and considerably concentrated. At its distance, its diameter of 17 arc minutes corresponds to a linear one of about 140 light years along the major axis. M19 can be fairly easily spotted with binoculars about 8 deg east of Antares in the Milky Way, and is visible as a small globular glow, with its ellipticity easily notable. |
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10"
F6.3 Schmidt Cassegrain Telescope, (1600mm F.L.) Modified Canon
300D camera with Baader IR-UV filter and coma corrector, placed at the scopes prime focus |