About NGC 6494 (M23)

NGC 6494 is a rewarding deep-sky target and appears as a soft glow. It has moderate brightness.

Current visibility

It is currently below the horizon.

It stays above 30° for roughly 8 hours.

Observing conditions matter, contrast improves away from light pollution.

Observing tips

This object is better suited for experienced observers.

What to expect

At higher magnification, subtle detail can be detected.

It is less prominent than the brightest objects in the catalog.

Type

Open Cluster

Constellation

Sagittarius

Distance

2150 ly

Size

25.0'

Season

Summer

Difficulty

Easy

Magnitude

6.9