Wild Duck Cluster

Wild Duck Cluster
The Wild Duck Cluster (M11-NGC 6705)
Observation data (J2000.0 epoch)
Constellation	Scutum
Right ascension	18^h 51.1^m
Declination	−06° 16′
Distance	6,200 ly or 24,900,000 years (1,900 pc)
Apparent magnitude (V)	6.3
Apparent dimensions (V)	14.0′
Physical characteristics
Estimated age	220 million years
Other designations	Messier 11, NGC 6705

The Wild Duck Cluster (also known as Messier 11, or NGC 6705) is an open cluster in the constellation Scutum. It was discovered by Gottfried Kirch in 1681. Charles Messier included it in his catalogue in 1764.

The Wild Duck Cluster is one of the richest and most compact of the known open clusters, containing about 2900 stars. Its age has been estimated to about 250 million years. Its name derives from the brighter stars forming a triangle which could resemble a flying flock of ducks (or, from other angles, one swimming duck).

Gallery

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  The blue stars in the centre of the image are the young, hot stars of the cluster.^[1]

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  M11 is visible with binoculars towards the constellation of Scutum.

1. ^ "Wild Ducks Take Flight in Open Cluster". www.eso.org. European Southern Observatory. Retrieved 3 October 2014.

External links

• Messier 11, SEDS Messier pages
• Messier 11, Wild Duck Cluster
• Messier 11 - LRGB result based on 2 hrs total data
• The Wild Duck Cluster on WikiSky: DSS2, SDSS, GALEX, IRAS, Hydrogen α, X-Ray, Astrophoto, Sky Map, Articles and images

References

Coordinates: 18^h 51.1^m 00^s, −06° 16′ 00″