Globular Cluster · Sagittarius

M69 NGC 6637

Magnitude
7.6
Season
Summer
Difficulty
Moderate
Star-hop chart
M690.0° field0° rotation
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Imaging reference
NGC 6637 (M69) Globular Cluster

Observer's guide

About NGC 6637

NGC 6637 (M69) is catalogued as a globular cluster in Sagittarius. Its J2000 position is RA 18:31:23.23, Dec -32:20:52.7, corresponding to 277.8462 degrees RA and -32.3481 degrees Dec. The local catalogue places it about 26,700 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 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 5.7 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 46.6 km/s. The SIMBAD record currently connects it to 498 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 M69 are kept separate from practical observing guidance.

Coordinates (J2000/ICRS)
RA 277.84625° · Dec -32.348083°
SIMBAD classification
GlC
Angular extent
7.1′ × 7.1′
Position angle
90°
Radial velocity
46.63 km/s
Redshift
0.00015555
Linked bibliography
498 references
Best midnight placement
June
Observable latitude range
-90° to 57.7°

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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