Globular Cluster · Sagittarius

M54 NGC 6715

Magnitude
7.6
Season
Summer
Difficulty
Moderate
Star-hop chart
M540.0° field0° rotation
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Imaging reference
NGC 6715 (M54) Globular Cluster

Observer's guide

About NGC 6715

NGC 6715 (M54) is catalogued as a globular cluster in Sagittarius. Its J2000 position is RA 18:55:03.27, Dec -30:28:42.6, corresponding to 283.7639 degrees RA and -30.4799 degrees Dec. The local catalogue places it about 82,800 light-years away. Its referenced angular extent is approximately 9.1 by 9.1 arcminutes.

Observing tips

StarWatchr rates this as a moderate target at magnitude 7.6. It is associated with summer observing, with midnight placement typically strongest around June. From 52 degrees north its theoretical meridian altitude is about 7.5 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 142.3 km/s. The SIMBAD record currently connects it to 1175 bibliographic references.

At roughly 9.1 arcminutes across, it benefits from a narrower field and adequate image scale. Use the listed 9.1 by 9.1 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 M54 are kept separate from practical observing guidance.

Coordinates (J2000/ICRS)
RA 283.763875° · Dec -30.479861°
SIMBAD classification
GlC
Angular extent
9.1′ × 9.1′
Position angle
90°
Radial velocity
142.3 km/s
Redshift
0.00047477
Linked bibliography
1,175 references
Best midnight placement
June
Observable latitude range
-90° to 59.5°

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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