M26 Open Cluster

Messier 26, also known as NGC 6694, is an open cluster of stars in the southern constellation of Scutum. Which lies between Aquila and Sagittarius. It was discovered by Charles Messier in 1764. This 8th magnitude cluster is a challenge to find in ideal skies with typical binoculars, where it can be, with any modern minimum 3-inch (76 mm) aperture device. It is south-southwest of the open cluster Messier 11 and is 14′ across. About 25 stars are visible in a telescope with a 150–200 mm (6–8 in) aperture.

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M26 spans a linear size of 22 light years across with a tidal radius of 25 light-years, and is at a distance of 5,160 light years from the Earth. The brightest star is of magnitude 11 and the age of this cluster has been calculated to be 85.3[1] million years. It includes one known spectroscopic binary system.

In the sky if you draw a line from M11 Wild Duck Neb/cluster to M17 Omega Nebula you will find this Cluster mid-way on this line.

Keywords: M26, Open Cluster, Messier, Scutum