As we gaze up at the night sky, the universe unfolds before our eyes in the form of countless stars, galaxies, and nebulae. One celestial gem that has captured the wonder of astronomers and stargazers alike is Messier 2 (M2), also known as NGC 7089, a breathtaking globular cluster located in the constellation Aquarius.
Messier 2 was first discovered by French astronomer Jean-Dominique Maraldi in 1746 and later cataloged by Charles Messier in 1760. This cluster is situated approximately 37,500 light-years away from Earth, making it one of the closer globular clusters to our solar system.
M2 is a dense collection of stars, housing hundreds of thousands of them. Unlike open clusters, which form from the same molecular cloud and share similar ages and compositions, globular clusters are densely packed groups of stars that are much older. M2 is estimated to be around 13 billion years old, nearly as ancient as the universe itself. The stars within globular clusters are some of the oldest objects in the Milky Way.
When observing Messier 2 through a telescope, its beauty truly comes to life. It appears as a spherical swarm of stars, densely packed at its core and gradually thinning towards the edges. The bright core of M2 is created by the concentration of stars in its central region, while the outer stars form a faint, hazy halo around it.
Globular clusters like Messier 2 provide valuable insights into the early history of our galaxy. Their old age and pristine composition allow astronomers to study the conditions and processes that prevailed in the early universe. By examining the stars within M2, scientists can better understand the formation and evolution of galaxies, including our own Milky Way.
To observe Messier 2, you’ll need a telescope with at least moderate magnification. Aquarius is best visible during late summer and early fall, making this the optimal time to catch a glimpse of this celestial marvel.
Messier 2, with its rich history and scientific significance, continues to captivate the imagination of both amateur and professional astronomers. As we peer into the depths of the universe, it serves as a timeless reminder of the incredible wonders that await us in the night sky.
Capture Details:
Date Image captured: 9/12/2023
Telescope: Celestron Nexstar 8se
Reducer/Flattener: Celestron .63x Reducer/Flattener
Filter: Optolong L-Pro
Camera: ZWO ASI294 MC
Mount: Skywatcher EQM-35 Pro
Total Captured: 14 x 300 seconds
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Capture Software: N.I.N.A.
Guiding: PHD2, ZWO asi120mm mini
Processed in: PixInsight
Additional details on Astrobin.com.