Globular Cluster · Pegasus

M15 NGC 7078

Magnitude
6.2
Season
Autumn
Difficulty
Easy
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Imaging reference
NGC 7078 (M15) Globular Cluster

Observer's guide

About NGC 7078

NGC 7078 (M15) is catalogued as a globular cluster in Pegasus. Its J2000 position is RA 21:29:58.38, Dec +12:10:00.6, corresponding to 322.493 degrees RA and 12.167 degrees Dec. The local catalogue places it about 33,600 light-years away. Its referenced angular extent is approximately 12.3 by 12.3 arcminutes.

Observing tips

StarWatchr rates this as an easy target at magnitude 6.2. It is associated with autumn observing, with midnight placement typically strongest around August. From 52 degrees north its theoretical meridian altitude is about 50.2 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 -106.5 km/s. The SIMBAD record currently connects it to 3291 bibliographic references.

At roughly 12.3 arcminutes across, it benefits from a narrower field and adequate image scale. Use the listed 12.3 by 12.3 arcminute extent to check framing, and treat catalogue magnitude as integrated brightness rather than a direct measure of visual contrast.

Sourced catalogue data

Scientific record

Measurements for M15 are kept separate from practical observing guidance.

Coordinates (J2000/ICRS)
RA 322.493042° · Dec 12.1670°
SIMBAD classification
GlC
Angular extent
12.3′ × 12.3′
Position angle
90°
Radial velocity
-106.5 km/s
Redshift
-0.00035518
Linked bibliography
3,291 references
Best midnight placement
August
Observable latitude range
-77.8° to 90°

Source: SIMBAD astronomical database (CDS, Strasbourg) (ODbL; checked 2026-08-09). Catalogue values may change when new measurements are published.

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24-hour altitude profile

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