M2 (NGC 7089) Aqr Globular cluster
Difficulty level 2

Date of observation: 1999/11/07 22:23
Observing site: Makinoto
Transparency/seeing/sky darkness: 3/3/3
Instruments: 32cm Dobsonian with XL14 at 110x
Width of field: 0.6 degree

This is a bright and large globular cluster. It does not show any particularly strong characteristics, but if you compare it carefully with the neighboring M15, you will notice a number of interesting features. It is resolved into closely packed pinpoints and the distribution of stars is quite even without any conspicuous arrangements of stars. There is a relatively bright star in the northeast. The core is bright and circular with a uniform surface brightness. A strong concentration of the stars is a feature of this globular cluster. Do stars in this globular appear as tiny pinpoints because of its great distance? This globular is 40,000 light-light-years away from us and far more distant than M13 and M15, which are at a distance of 25,000 and 30,000 light-years respectively.