Globular Cluster · Ophiucus

M62 NGC 6266

Magnitude
6.5
Season
Summer
Difficulty
Moderate
Star-hop chart
M620.0° field0° rotation
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Imaging reference
NGC 6266 (M62) Globular Cluster

Observer's guide

About NGC 6266

NGC 6266 (M62) is catalogued as a globular cluster in Ophiucus. Its J2000 position is RA 17:01:12.60, Dec -30:06:44.5, corresponding to 255.3025 degrees RA and -30.1124 degrees Dec. The local catalogue places it about 21,500 light-years away. Its referenced angular extent is approximately 14.1 by 14.1 arcminutes.

Observing tips

StarWatchr rates this as a moderate target at magnitude 6.5. It is associated with summer observing, with midnight placement typically strongest around June. From 52 degrees north its theoretical meridian altitude is about 7.9 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 -74.5 km/s. The SIMBAD record currently connects it to 677 bibliographic references.

At roughly 14.1 arcminutes across, it benefits from a narrower field and adequate image scale. Use the listed 14.1 by 14.1 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 M62 are kept separate from practical observing guidance.

Coordinates (J2000/ICRS)
RA 255.3025° · Dec -30.112361°
SIMBAD classification
GlC
Angular extent
14.1′ × 14.1′
Position angle
90°
Radial velocity
-74.5 km/s
Redshift
-0.00024847
Linked bibliography
677 references
Best midnight placement
June
Observable latitude range
-90° to 59.9°

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

Use the highest part of the curve to plan the clearest observing window.

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