Globular Cluster · Sagittarius

M70 NGC 6681

Magnitude
7.9
Season
Summer
Difficulty
Moderate
Star-hop chart
M700.0° field0° rotation
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Imaging reference
NGC 6681 (M70) Globular Cluster

Observer's guide

About NGC 6681

NGC 6681 (M70) is catalogued as a globular cluster in Sagittarius. Its J2000 position is RA 18:43:12.64, Dec -32:17:30.8, corresponding to 280.8032 degrees RA and -32.2921 degrees Dec. The local catalogue places it about 28,000 light-years away. Its referenced angular extent is approximately 7.8 by 7.8 arcminutes.

Observing tips

StarWatchr rates this as a moderate target at magnitude 7.9. 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 217.4 km/s. The SIMBAD record currently connects it to 427 bibliographic references.

At roughly 7.8 arcminutes across, it benefits from a narrower field and adequate image scale. Use the listed 7.8 by 7.8 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 M70 are kept separate from practical observing guidance.

Coordinates (J2000/ICRS)
RA 280.803167° · Dec -32.292111°
SIMBAD classification
GlC
Angular extent
7.8′ × 7.8′
Position angle
90°
Radial velocity
217.4 km/s
Redshift
0.00072543
Linked bibliography
427 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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