Globular Cluster · Lyra

M56 NGC 6779

Magnitude
8.3
Season
Summer
Difficulty
Moderate
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M560.0° field0° rotation
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Imaging reference
NGC 6779 (M56) Globular Cluster

Observer's guide

About NGC 6779

NGC 6779 (M56) is catalogued as a globular cluster in Lyra. Its J2000 position is RA 19:16:35.51, Dec +30:11:04.2, corresponding to 289.1482 degrees RA and 30.1835 degrees Dec. The local catalogue places it about 31,600 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 8.3. It is associated with summer observing, with midnight placement typically strongest around July. From 52 degrees north its theoretical meridian altitude is about 68.2 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 -122 km/s. The SIMBAD record currently connects it to 460 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 M56 are kept separate from practical observing guidance.

Coordinates (J2000/ICRS)
RA 289.148208° · Dec 30.183472°
SIMBAD classification
GlC
Angular extent
7.1′ × 7.1′
Position angle
90°
Radial velocity
-122 km/s
Redshift
-0.00040687
Linked bibliography
460 references
Best midnight placement
July
Observable latitude range
-59.8° to 90°

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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