NGC 6624

NGC 6624

The globular cluster NGC 6624. Credit Hubble Space Telescope
Observation data (J2000 epoch)
Constellation Sagittarius
Right ascension 18h 23m 41s
Declination 30° 21 39
Distance 25.8 ± 1.1 kly (7.91 ± 0.34 kpc)
Apparent magnitude (V) 7.6
Apparent dimensions (V) 8.8 arcminutes[1]
Physical characteristics
Metallicity  = -0.56 ± 0.27[2] dex

NGC 6624 is a globular cluster in the constellation Sagittarius. It was discovered on 24 June 1784 by the astronomer William Herschel. It is given an apparent magnitude of 7.6 to 8.5.[3] Six pulsars are known in NGC 6624. The first of these to be discovered was PSR J1823-3021A. This globular cluster also contains 4U 1820-30, a low-mass X-ray binary with an orbital period of only 11.5 minutes.

NGC 6624 is visible as a hazy spot with a small telescope, and appears as a star-like object with binoculars. Its core appears significantly condensed.[1] It is located 0.8 degrees southeast of the star Delta Sagittarii,[4] and is about 1.17 kpc (3.8 kly) from the Galactic center.[2]

Map showing location of NGC 6624

References

  1. 1 2 O'Meara, Steve (2007). Steve O'Meara's Herschel 400 Observing Guide. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. p. 236. ISBN 978-0-521-85893-9.
  2. 1 2 Sofue, Yoshiaki. The Central Regions of the Galaxy and Galaxies. Netherlands: Kluwer Academic Publishers. p. 37. ISBN 0-7923-5061-8.
  3. It is given a diameter of 6 to 8.5 arcminutes, and class VI with stars magnitude 14 and dimmer. It is less than a degree southeast of star Delta Sagittarii. O'Meara, Stephen James (2007). Deep Sky Companions: Hidden Treasures. Cambridge University Press. p. 452.
  4. Bakich, Michael E. (2010). 1001 Celestial Wonders to See Before You Die: The Best Sky Objects for Star Gazers. Springer. p. 249. doi:10.1007/978-1-4419-1777-5. ISBN 978-1-4419-1776-8.
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