Observer's guide
About NGC 1851
NGC 1851 (C73) is catalogued as a globular cluster in Columba. Its J2000 position is RA 05:14:06, Dec -40:02:47, corresponding to 78.5282 degrees RA and -40.0466 degrees Dec. The local catalogue places it about 39,400 light-years away. Its referenced angular extent is approximately 11 by 11 arcminutes.
Observing tips
This is rated as a moderate target at magnitude 7.3. It is associated with winter observing, with midnight placement typically strongest around December. From 52 degrees north its theoretical meridian altitude is about 0 degrees; local horizons and the live altitude chart determine the practical window.
A small telescope under reasonably dark skies is a good starting point; use the live altitude chart to choose its highest point.
What to expect
The SIMBAD classification for the matched source is GlC. A published radial velocity value is 320.2 km/s. The SIMBAD record currently connects it to 1549 bibliographic references.
At roughly 11 arcminutes across, it benefits from a narrower field and adequate image scale. Use the listed 11 by 11 arcminute extent to check framing, and treat catalogue magnitude as integrated brightness rather than a direct measure of visual contrast.