Open Cluster · Scutum

M26 NGC 6694

Magnitude
8
Season
Summer
Difficulty
Moderate
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M260.0° field0° rotation
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Imaging reference
NGC 6694 (M26) Open Cluster

Observer's guide

About NGC 6694

NGC 6694 (M26) is catalogued as an open cluster in Scutum. Its J2000 position is RA 18:45:18.66, Dec -09:23:01.0, corresponding to 281.3171 degrees RA and -9.3861 degrees Dec. The local catalogue places it about 5,000 light-years away. Its referenced angular extent is approximately 7.1 by 7.1 arcminutes.

Observing tips

StarWatchr rates this as a moderate target at magnitude 8. It is associated with summer observing, with midnight placement typically strongest around June. From 52 degrees north its theoretical meridian altitude is about 28.6 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 OpC. A published radial velocity value is -10.2 km/s. The SIMBAD record currently connects it to 113 bibliographic references.

At roughly 7.1 arcminutes across, it benefits from a narrower field and adequate image scale. Use the listed 7.1 by 7.1 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 M26 are kept separate from practical observing guidance.

Coordinates (J2000/ICRS)
RA 281.317083° · Dec -9.386111°
SIMBAD classification
OpC
Angular extent
7.1′ × 7.1′
Position angle
Radial velocity
-10.23 km/s
Redshift
-0.00003411
Linked bibliography
113 references
Best midnight placement
June
Observable latitude range
-90° to 80.6°

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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