Globular Cluster NGC 5053 in Coma Berenices

NGC 5053 was discovered by William Herschel on 14.3.1784 and catalogued as VI 7. The globular cluster consists of only 3500 stars and was thus entered in the rare class XI (very low concentration). Naturally, the surface brightness is pretty low, making the object a difficult target for visual observations. A dark spring sky is needed. Only 1° west there is a much brighter globular cluster: M 53.

Data:

NGC 5053

Position (2000): 13 16 27.0 +17 41 55 (Coma Berenices)

Type: globular cluster (class XI)

Visual magnitude: 9.8

Diameter: 10.5' (160 ly)

Distance: 53500 ly

Designations: GCL 23

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Carbon star V Aql in Aquila New

This is an extremely red carbon star, located in the southern part of Aquila between λ Aql (3.4 mag) and 12 Aql (4.0 mag), the head of the eagle. The colour of V Aql is striking, even in a small telescope. However, a larger magnification is recommended (especially when the irregular variable is at minimum). Only 30' SE of the star is the fine planetary nebula NGC 6751 (11.9 mag). A small, round object with a 13 mag central star. Don’t miss the bright open cluster M 11 in Scutum, located 4° west.

Data: Position (2000): 19 04 24.2, –05 41 05 Vmag: 6.6 – 8.4 mag (335 d) B-V: +2.3 Spectral type: C5 (Np) Distance: 1210 ± 420 ly Other designation: BD –05° 4858, SAO 142985