Messier 2

Messier 2
Messier 2 by Hubble Space Telescope; 2.5′ view
Observation data (J2000 epoch)
ClassII[1]
ConstellationAquarius
Right ascension21h 33m 27.02s[2]
Declination–00° 49′ 23.7″[2]
Distance55,000 ly (17 kpc)[3]
Apparent magnitude (V)6.5[4]
Apparent dimensions (V)16.0′
Physical characteristics
Mass1.04×105[5] M☉
Radius87.3 ly[6]
Metallicity = –1.65[5] dex
Estimated age12.5 Gyr[7]
Other designationsNGC 7089[8]
See also: Globular cluster, List of globular clusters

Messier 2 or M2 (also designated NGC 7089) is a globular cluster in the constellation Aquarius, five degrees north of the star Beta Aquarii. It was discovered by Jean-Dominique Maraldi in 1746, and is one of the largest known globular clusters.

  1. ^ Cite error: The named reference hcob849_11 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  2. ^ a b Cite error: The named reference aj140_6_1830 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  3. ^ Cite error: The named reference helmi2018 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  4. ^ "Messier 2". SEDS Messier Catalog. Retrieved 21 July 2024.
  5. ^ a b Cite error: The named reference apj742_1_51 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  6. ^ distance × sin( diameter_angle / 2 ) = 87.3 ly. radius
  7. ^ Cite error: The named reference mf2009 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  8. ^ Cite error: The named reference simbad was invoked but never defined (see the help page).