Globular Cluster · Sagittarius

M28 NGC 6626

Magnitude
6.8
Season
Summer
Difficulty
Easy
Star-hop chart
M280.0° field0° rotation
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Imaging reference
NGC 6626 (M28) Globular Cluster

Observer's guide

About NGC 6626

NGC 6626 (M28) is catalogued as a globular cluster in Sagittarius. Its J2000 position is RA 18:24:32.89, Dec -24:52:11.4, corresponding to 276.137 degrees RA and -24.8698 degrees Dec. The local catalogue places it about 17,900 light-years away. Its referenced angular extent is approximately 11.2 by 11.2 arcminutes.

Observing tips

StarWatchr rates this as an easy 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 13.1 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 10.5 km/s. The SIMBAD record currently connects it to 828 bibliographic references.

At roughly 11.2 arcminutes across, it benefits from a narrower field and adequate image scale. Use the listed 11.2 by 11.2 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 M28 are kept separate from practical observing guidance.

Coordinates (J2000/ICRS)
RA 276.137042° · Dec -24.869833°
SIMBAD classification
GlC
Angular extent
11.2′ × 11.2′
Position angle
90°
Radial velocity
10.5 km/s
Redshift
0.00003502
Linked bibliography
828 references
Best midnight placement
June
Observable latitude range
-90° to 65.1°

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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