Messier 4 (M 4)

Introduction | Map | Find/Identify | My Own Photos | My Own Observations | References

On this page I collect my observations of the globular star cluster M 4 (NGC 6121) in the constellation Scorpius.

 

Introduction

The globular star cluster M 4 in the constellation Scorpius is the only globular star cluster that Messier was able to resolve in his small telescopes. From Central Europe, it is the most resolvable globular cluster, but difficult to observe because it is located far south.

Size: 12' (Stoyan)
Distance: 7,200 light years (Stoyan)
Rating: *** (Stoyan)

 

Map

M 4 is located in constellation Scorpius (M 80 is to the right of M 4). (Image Courtesy of SkySafari Astronomy, www.simulationcurriculum.com)

 

Find/Identify

Find: M 4 is located to the right and below of the large and yellow star Antares in constellation Scorpius (see maps above and below). It is even closer to the star sigma Scorpius (the Western Al Niyat), below which it is located.

Identify: If you have found the star Antares, which is large and yellow, you will also be able to identify M 4. (Image Courtesy of SkySafari Astronomy, www.simulationcurriculum.com)

 

My Own Photos

         

M 4 - May 29, 2020

 

M 4 - May 29, 2020, processed

 

M 4 - May 29, 2020, processed and sharpened

   

M 4 - May 29, 2020

 

M 4 - May 29, 2020, processed

 

M 4 - May 29, 2020, processed and sharpened

 

My Own Observations

Observations September/October 2019

Observations May to July 2020

 

References

On this Site