Observer's guide
About NGC 6838
NGC 6838 (M71) is catalogued as a globular cluster in Sagitta. Its J2000 position is RA 19:53:46.11, Dec +18:46:42.2, corresponding to 298.4437 degrees RA and 18.7792 degrees Dec. The local catalogue places it about 11,700 light-years away. Its referenced angular extent is approximately 7.2 by 7.2 arcminutes.
Observing tips
This is rated 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 56.8 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 -22.5 km/s. The SIMBAD record currently connects it to 1199 bibliographic references.
At roughly 7.2 arcminutes across, it benefits from a narrower field and adequate image scale. Use the listed 7.2 by 7.2 arcminute extent to check framing, and treat catalogue magnitude as integrated brightness rather than a direct measure of visual contrast.