Globular Cluster · Ophiucus

M19 NGC 6273

Magnitude
6.8
Season
Summer
Difficulty
Moderate
Star-hop chart
M190.0° field0° rotation
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Imaging reference
NGC 6273 (M19) Globular Cluster

Observer's guide

About NGC 6273

NGC 6273 (M19) is catalogued as a globular cluster in Ophiucus. Its J2000 position is RA 17:02:37.68, Dec -26:16:04.6, corresponding to 255.657 degrees RA and -26.2679 degrees Dec. The local catalogue places it about 27,100 light-years away. Its referenced angular extent is approximately 9.6 by 9.6 arcminutes.

Observing tips

StarWatchr rates this as a moderate target at magnitude 6.8. It is associated with summer observing, with midnight placement typically strongest around June. From 52 degrees north its theoretical meridian altitude is about 11.7 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 145.3 km/s. The SIMBAD record currently connects it to 411 bibliographic references.

At roughly 9.6 arcminutes across, it benefits from a narrower field and adequate image scale. Use the listed 9.6 by 9.6 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 M19 are kept separate from practical observing guidance.

Coordinates (J2000/ICRS)
RA 255.657042° · Dec -26.267944°
SIMBAD classification
GlC
Angular extent
9.6′ × 9.6′
Position angle
Radial velocity
145.3 km/s
Redshift
0.00048479
Linked bibliography
411 references
Best midnight placement
June
Observable latitude range
-90° to 63.7°

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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