MESSIER OBJECT CATALOGUE M51 TO M80

This post is a contd. of previous post. You can navigate to previous post which tells about M21 to M50  in the Messier Object catalogue.

http://koarc.blogspot.in/2014/02/messier-object-catalogue-21-to-50.html

MESSIER OBJECT CATALOGUE M51 to M80

M51 Galaxy in Canes Venatici
Common Names: Whirlpool Galaxy
NGC Number: 5194
Visual Magnitude: 8.4 

Located in the constellation of Canes Venatici is an exquisite object known as M51, the Whirlpool Galaxy. This was one of Messier's original discoveries. He found it in 1773 while observing a comet. M51 is a beautiful example of a face-on spiral galaxy. The obvious spiral shape of this object is what gave it the name, Whirlpool. It was the first spiral galaxy to be discovered. Careful observation reveals that this object is actually two galaxies. The second, known as NGC 5195, is interacting with M51. The outer regions of the two galaxies actually touch each other. M51 is located about 37 million light-years from Earth. 

M52 Galactic Cluster in Cassiopeia
Common Names: None
NGC Number: 7654
Visual Magnitude: 7.3 

M52 is an open cluster of stars situated within the constellation of Cassiopeia. It can be seen against the backdrop of a Milky Way field. This object has been described as a "salt and pepper" cluster due to its dense arrangement of about 200 bright stars. M52 is believed to be only 23 million years old. Its distance from Earth is not certain. Estimates range anywhere from 3,000 to 7,000 light-years. With a magnitude of 7.3, this cluster is easily visible to an observer with binoculars. A small telescope will reveal the cluster's fainter stars.  

M53 Globular Cluster in Coma Berenices
Common Names: None
NGC Number: 5024
Visual Magnitude: 7.6 

A distant globular cluster can be found within the Coma Berenices constellation. This is M53. It is among the more distant globulars, situated about 60,000 light-years from the galactic center. This would put it at about 62,000 light-years from Earth. The cluster has a diameter of around 250 light-years. M53 has a magnitude of 7.6, which makes it a good target for binoculars. Viewing through a telescope will show the intricate glittery structure that is the trademark of most globular clusters.  

M54 Globular Cluster in Sagittarius
Common Names: None
NGC Number: 6715
Visual Magnitude: 7.6

Located in the constellation of Sagittarius is a globular cluster known as M54. It is one of the brighter globular clusters in the sky. This object's close proximity to Zeta Sagittarii, the southernmost star in the constellation, makes it very easy to find. Although this cluster is bright, it is small. It could be mistaken for a star in binoculars. A telescope is really the best way to view this fine object. M54 is estimated to be about 60,000 light-years from Earth. 

M55 Globular Cluster in Sagittarius
Common Names: None
NGC Number: 6809
Visual Magnitude: 6.3 

Another fine globular cluster to be found in Sagittarius is M55. This is a large cluster with a somewhat loose arrangement of stars. Its apparent size is about 2/3 that of the full moon. It has a diameter of about 110 light-years, and is believed to be located only 20,000 light-years from Earth. This would make it among the closest of the globular clusters. M55 has been described as very grainy in appearance, due to its loose structure. Through a small telescope, its grainy structure will be more apparent.

M56 Globular Cluster in Lyra
Common Names: None
NGC Number: 6779
Visual Magnitude: 8.3

 

In the constellation Lyra can be found a small, dim globular cluster known as M56. This cluster lacks the bright core that is visible in many other globulars. It is believed to have a diameter of only 60 light-years, and is located about 45,000 light-years from Earth. It is actually approaching us at a speed of about 145 km/sec. Due to its small size and magnitude of only 8.3, M56 is not a great object for the binocular astronomer. Telescopes larger than 10 inches can resolve the cluster quite nicely.  

M57 Planetary Nebula in Lyra
Common Names: Ring Nebula
NGC Number: 6720
Visual Magnitude: 8.8 

The constellation Lyra is also home to one of the most famous objects on the sky. M57, the Ring Nebula, is probably the finest example of a planetary nebula anywhere in the sky. It was formed when a star about the size of the Sun neared the end of its life cycle and shed its outer shell of hydrogen gas. This shell of material is illuminated by the remains of the star, known as a white dwarf, in the center. The nebula is well known for its beautiful colors, ranging from red to yellow, green, and blue. Its age is estimated at about 5,500 years. 

M58 Galaxy in Virgo
Common Names: None
NGC Number: 4579
Visual Magnitude: 9.7

The Virgo constellation is home to a small galaxy known as M58. This galaxy is classified as a barred spiral due to its elongated shape. It is one of four such objects in the Messier catalog. M58 is one of the brightest members of a cluster of galaxies known as the Virgo cluster. Its distance from Earth is around 60 million light-years. As with most distant galaxies, it requires a large telescope and excellent observing conditions to show any detail. An 8-inch or larger scope will reveal the galaxy's barred shape as well as a hint of its spiral arms.  

M59 Galaxy in Virgo
Common Names: None
NGC Number: 4621
Visual Magnitude: 9.6 

Another member of the Virgo cluster of galaxies is M59. It is an elliptical galaxy about 90,000 light-years across and is located some 60 million light-years from the Earth. This is one of the larger elliptical galaxies in the Virgo cluster. The shape of this galaxy is quite flattened in appearance. With a magnitude of only 9.6, M59 is not a very suitable target for binoculars. Even in large telescopes it is only visible as an elongated fuzzy blob. 

M60 Galactic Cluster in Monoceros
Common Names: None
NGC Number: 4649
Visual Magnitude: 8.8 

            M60 is a large elliptical galaxy that is also located within the Virgo cluster of galaxies. It is the eastern most galaxy in the cluster. This galaxy is believed to be around 120,000 light-years in diameter. It is located about 60 million light-years from Earth. M60 is one of the brighter members of the Virgo cluster. It can be found with binoculars, but is not a very impressive sight. 

M61 Galaxy in Virgo
Common Names: None
NGC Number: 4303
Visual Magnitude: 9.7

Located in the constellation of Virgo, amidst the cluster of galaxies known as the Virgo cluster, is a spiral galaxy known as M61. This is one of the larger galaxies in the cluster, measuring in at about 100,000 light-years in diameter. It is estimated to be located some 60 million light-years from Earth. Messier originally mistook this object for a comet. This galaxy's low luminosity, about magnitude 10, makes it appear as nothing more than a fuzzy spot in small optic instruments.

M62 Globular Cluster in Ophiuchus
Common Names: None
NGC Number: 6266
Visual Magnitude: 6.5

The constellation Ophiuchus is home to an unusual globular cluster known as M62. This cluster is known for its highly irregular shape. This deformation is believed to have been caused by gravitational tidal forces acting on the cluster due to its close proximity to the galactic center. It is only 6,100 light-years from the center of our galaxy. The cluster is located about 21,000 light-years from Earth. 

M63 Galaxy in Canes Venatici
Common Names: Sunflower Galaxy
NGC Number: 5055
Visual Magnitude: 8.6

Located within in the constellation of Canes Venatici is M63, a spiral galaxy also known as the Sunflower Galaxy. It earned this name due to its sunflower-like appearance. It was originally discovered in 1779 by Messier’s friend, Pierre Mechain. This galaxy is located about 37 million light-years from Earth, and is part of a group of galaxies that includes M51. 

M64 Galaxy in Coma Berenices
Common Names: Blackeye Galaxy, Sleeping Beauty Galaxy
NGC Number: 4826
Visual Magnitude: 8.5

M64 is a very unusual-looking spiral galaxy located in the constellation of Coma Berenices. This is the famous Blackeye galaxy. It has also been called the Sleeping Beauty galaxy. The name Blackeye comes from a dark dust lane that obscures the light near the center of this galaxy. This dust lane is believed to be a site of active star formation. This dust lane is visible even in small telescopes. The distance of this galaxy is not very well known, but best guesses place it at around 20 million light-years from Earth. A large telescope is required to see any real amount of detail in this galaxy. 

M65 Galaxy in Leo
Common Names: None
NGC Number: 3623
Visual Magnitude: 9.3

Located in the constellation of Leo is a small triplet of galaxies. One of its members is M65. This is a spiral galaxy located about 35 million light-years from us. It has an obvious elliptical shape, due to the fact that we are viewing it from an angle. The galaxy's magnitude of 9.3 may make it a bit challenging to find with binoculars, but it is an easy target for the telescope. 

M66 Galaxy in Leo
Common Names: None
NGC Number: 3627
Visual Magnitude: 8.9

Another member of this triplet of galaxies in Leo is a spiral galaxy known as M66. This galaxy is much larger than its close neighbor, M65. Its visual appearance is a bit unusual in that its spiral is irregular in shape. The galaxy's spirals are believed to have been deformed by close encounters with its neighbors. M66 is located about 35 million light-years from Earth. 

M67 Galactic Cluster in Cancer
Common Names: None
NGC Number: 2682
Visual Magnitude: 6.1

The constellation of Cancer is the site of an open star cluster called M67. It is one of the oldest known open clusters and is believed to be over 3 billion years old. It is also the oldest cluster in the Messier catalog. This cluster is located about 2,700 light-years from Earth. It contains around 500 stars, some 200 of which are believed to be white dwarfs. At magnitude 6.1, it is an easy target for the binocular observer.  

M68 Globular Cluster in Hydra
Common Names: None
NGC Number: 4590
Visual Magnitude: 7.8

 

The constellation Hydra contains a globular cluster of stars known as M68. This cluster is around 140 light-years in diameter and is located about 40,000 light-years from Earth. This is a relatively small cluster that may be difficult to locate with binoculars. It is an easy target for any telescope 4-inches or larger.  

M69 Globular Cluster in Sagittarius
Common Names: None
NGC Number: 6637
Visual Magnitude: 7.6

Sagittarius is a constellation that literally swarms with interesting deep-sky objects. One of these is a globular cluster known as M69. It is one of the smaller and fainter globular clusters in the Messier catalog. In fact, Messier originally missed this object when he looked for it in 1764 but later found it with a better telescope in 1780. This cluster is believed to be about 55 light-years in diameter and is located some 27,000 light-years from Earth. It can just barely be seen on a dark night with a pair of 7x50 or 10x50 binoculars, as long the observer is not too far north

 

M70 Globular Cluster in Sagittarius
Common Names: None
NGC Number: 6681
Visual Magnitude: 7.9 

A close neighbor to M69 in Sagittarius is the globular cluster M70. This cluster is nearly identical to its neighbor in size and brightness, although it is just a bit larger. It is also somewhat more distant, located about 28,000 light-years from Earth. It is believed to be around 65 light-years in diameter. Like M69, this cluster is also very low in the southern sky and is difficult to observe from northern locations. It is rapidly receding from us at a speed of about 200 km/sec. M70 became somewhat famous in 1995 when the comet Hale-Bopp was discovered near it by two astronomers who were observing the cluster.  

M71 Globular Cluster in Sagitta
Common Names: None
NGC Number: 6838
Visual Magnitude: 8.2 

Located in the constellation of Sagitta is a globular cluster known as M71. This is an extremely loose cluster, and for some time there was doubt as to whether this was a globular cluster at all. Some astronomers believed it to be a condensed open cluster. This globular is located about 11,700 light-years from Earth and has a diameter of only 25 light-years. This makes it one of the smallest known globular clusters. 

M72 Globular Cluster in Aquarius
Common Names: None
NGC Number: 6981
Visual Magnitude: 9.3

In the constellation Aquarius lies a globular cluster known as M72. This object is one of the more remote globular clusters in the Messier catalog. It has a diameter of about 90 light-years, and is located over 53,000 light-years from Earth. Although its apparent magnitude is only 9.3, this cluster's extreme distance means that it is one of the brightest globular yet discovered. Visually, it is a somewhat loose cluster. M72 is approaching us at over 250 km/sec. 

M73 Asterism in Aquarius
Common Names: None
NGC Number: 6994
Visual Magnitude: 2.8

Another interesting object to be found in Aquarius is M73. This object is unlike most of Messier's other discoveries. M73 is a small cluster of four stars. It is officially classified as an asterism. An asterism is a star pattern, and is different from a constellation. For example, the big dipper is an asterism within the constellation of Ursa Major. M73 may appear as a nebula at first glance with small instruments.  

M74 Galaxy in Pisces
Common Names: None
NGC Number: 628
Visual Magnitude: 9.4

In the constellation of Pisces can be found a fine example of a face-on spiral galaxy. This is M74. It is a beautiful spiral around 95,000 light-years in diameter. It is located about 35 million light-years from Earth. It is moving away from us at nearly 800 km/sec. Color photographs of this galaxy reveal that its spiral arms are littered with clusters of young, blue stars. It is believed to be very similar in size and shape to our own Milky Way galaxy. 

M75 Globular Cluster in Sagittarius
Common Names: None
NGC Number: 6864
Visual Magnitude: 8.5

The galactic hunting grounds of Sagittarius is the home of yet another globular cluster known as M75. At a distance of 60,000 light-years, it is one of the most remote globular clusters in the Messier catalog. It is believed to be around 100 light-years in diameter. It is a very compact and concentrated cluster. Because of its small size, larger telescopes are required to resolve it into individual stars. 

M76 Planetary Nebula in Perseus
Common Names: Little Dumbbell / Butterfly Nebula
NGC Number: 650
Visual Magnitude: 10.1

Located in the constellation of Perseus is a faint planetary nebula known as M76. This nebula is also known as the Little Dumbbell Nebula. Other names that have been given to this object include Cork Nebula, Butterfly Nebula, and Barbell Nebula. At magnitude 10.1 it is one of the fainter of the Messier objects. The appearance of this nebula is very similar to that of M27, the Dumbbell Nebula. As with most planetary nebulae, its distance it not very well known. Best estimates put it at between 1,700 and 15,000 light-years from Earth.

M77 Galaxy in Cetus
Common Names: None
NGC Number: 1068
Visual Magnitude: 8.9 

The constellation Cetus is the location of a beautiful spiral galaxy known as M77. This is one of the largest galaxies in the Messier catalog. The brightest parts of this galaxy measure about 120,000 light-years in diameter, but its fainter extensions bring it out to a total of 170,000 light-years. This galaxy is believed to be located around 60 million light-years from Earth and is receding from us at a whopping 1100 km/sec. visually, it appears as a large spiral with broad structured arms. At a magnitude of 8.9, it can easily be located with a pair of binoculars on a good night. 

M78 Diffuse Nebula in Orion
Common Names: None
NGC Number: 2068
Visual Magnitude: 8.3 

In the constellation of Orion can be found the brightest diffuse reflection nebula in the sky. This is M78. It is a member of the Orion complex, which is a large cloud of dust and gas near the Orion Nebula, M42. It is the brightest part of a large dust cloud that includes several other small nebulae. This bright nebula is about 1,600 light-years from Earth and measures nearly 4 light-years in diameter. It shines with the reflected light of several bright blue stars. Visually, this nebula resembles a faint comet. It can easily be seen with just about any size telescope. 

M79 Globular Cluster in Lepus
Common Names: None
NGC Number: 1904
Visual Magnitude: 7.7

The constellation Lepus is the site of a beautiful globular cluster known as M79. This cluster is unusual because of its location in the sky. Most globular clusters are grouped near the center of our galaxy. This one is much closer to us. It is only 40,000 light-years from Earth but 60,000 light-years from the galactic center. It is believed to have a diameter of around 100 light-years. It has a slightly elliptical shape and is receding from us at about 200km/sec. At magnitude 7.7, it is a bright object and should be relatively easy to spot in a telescope. 

M80 Globular Cluster in Scorpius
Common Names: None
NGC Number: 6093
Visual Magnitude: 7.3 

Located in the constellation Scorpius is an 8th magnitude globular cluster called M80. This cluster has a diameter of around 90 light-years and is located roughly 36,000 light-years from the Earth. This cluster was the site of a nova in 1860, which completely changed its appearance for several days. A second nova occurred in 1938, but was only observed photographically. Visually, this globular cluster resembles a comet.