M72 NGC 6981

Object Type Globular Cluster
Constellation Aquarius
Magnitude 9.2
Size 6.6' x 6.6'

M72 is a small and fairly faint globular cluster in Aquarius. Some resolution is possible in an 8" telescope although the stars are faint. On the left hand edge of the photograph is a little group of 3 stars that Messier thought was a cluster and so catalogued them as M73.

Film Images


45 minutes exposure on Fuji Superia 400 film.
5" f/5 refractor, prime focus.

CCD Images


Combination of 7, 2 minute exposures.
SBIG STL-1001E CCD. 20" f/6.8 Dall-Kirkham cassegrain telescope at prime focus.


Combination of 15, 1 minute exposures.
SBIG STL-1001E CCD. 20" f/6.8 Dall-Kirkham cassegrain telescope at prime focus.