Celestial hemisphere:  Southern  ·  Constellation: Scutum (Sct)  ·  Contains:  Amas de l'Ecu de Sobieski  ·  HD174512  ·  HD174553  ·  M 11  ·  NGC 6705  ·  Wild Duck Cluster
Messier 11 - Wild Duck Cluster, Indy Backyard Astro
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Messier 11 - Wild Duck Cluster, Indy Backyard Astro
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Description

The universe is a vast and wondrous place, filled with countless celestial wonders that capture the imagination of astronomers and stargazers alike. Among these wonders is Messier 11, commonly known as the Wild Duck Cluster. Located in the constellation Scutum, Messier 11 is a stunning open star cluster that has fascinated astronomers for centuries.Messier 11 was first discovered by the Swiss astronomer Philibert Jacques Melotte in 1908. It is estimated to be around 220 million years old and is relatively close to us, at a distance of approximately 6,200 light-years from Earth. This cluster is named the "Wild Duck" because, under dark skies and with a little imagination, its arrangement of stars can resemble a flying V formation of ducks.What makes Messier 11 particularly captivating is its rich population of stars. It contains hundreds of stars, with a concentration of brighter, more massive ones toward the center. The cluster spans about 20 to 25 light-years across, making it an ideal target for amateur astronomers armed with binoculars or small telescopes.

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Messier 11 - Wild Duck Cluster, Indy Backyard Astro

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