NGC 6397
Globular cluster NGC 6397
= Dunlop 366
= Caldwell 86),
class IX,
in Ara
Right Ascension | 17 : 40.7 (h:m) |
---|---|
Declination | -53 : 40 (deg:m) |
Distance | 7.2 (kly) |
Visual Brightness | 5.9 (mag) |
Apparent Dimension | 26.0 (arc min) |
This conspicuous globular is one of the two nearest to us (the other one is
M4); currently it seems that M4 is a bit closer:
M4 is at about 6,800 and NGC 6397 at 7,200 light years, but the uncertainty is
large enough that the sequence may change..
NGC 6397 is one of the at least 20 globulars of our
Milky Way Galaxy which have undergone a
core collapse, i.e. its core has contracted to a very dense stellar
agglomeration; this is the nearest such globular.
In John Caldwell’s observing list.
Astronomical League’s Southern Sky Binocular Club list.
The HST has investigated globular cluster NGC 6397 for faint red dwarf stars,
in order to check the abundance of these “Dark Matter” candidates. Look at the
first and
on this thread.
Last Modification: 29 Mar 1998, 12:35 MET