Globular Cluster · Aquarius

M2 NGC 7089

Magnitude
6.5
Season
Autumn
Difficulty
Easy
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Imaging reference
NGC 7089 (M2) Globular Cluster

Observer's guide

About NGC 7089

NGC 7089 (M2) is catalogued as a globular cluster in Aquarius. Its J2000 position is RA 21:33:27.01, Dec -00:49:23.9, corresponding to 323.3626 degrees RA and -0.8232 degrees Dec. The local catalogue places it about 37,500 light-years away. Its referenced angular extent is approximately 12.9 by 12.9 arcminutes.

Observing tips

StarWatchr rates this as an easy target at magnitude 6.5. It is associated with autumn observing, with midnight placement typically strongest around August. From 52 degrees north its theoretical meridian altitude is about 37.2 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 -3.6 km/s. The SIMBAD record currently connects it to 1127 bibliographic references.

At roughly 12.9 arcminutes across, it benefits from a narrower field and adequate image scale. Use the listed 12.9 by 12.9 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 M2 are kept separate from practical observing guidance.

Coordinates (J2000/ICRS)
RA 323.362583° · Dec -0.82325°
SIMBAD classification
GlC
Angular extent
12.9′ × 12.9′
Position angle
90°
Radial velocity
-3.6 km/s
Redshift
-0.00001201
Linked bibliography
1,127 references
Best midnight placement
August
Observable latitude range
-90° to 89.2°

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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