Messier 18

Messier 18
M18 photo from the 2MASS project.
Observation data (J2000.0 epoch)
Right ascension	18h 19.9m
Declination	−17° 08′
Distance	4.9 kly (1.5 kPc)
Apparent magnitude (V)	7.5
Apparent dimensions (V)	9.0′
Physical characteristics
Radius	9 ly
Estimated age	32 million years
Other designations	NGC 6613
See also: Open cluster, List of open clusters

Messier 18 or M18 (also designated NGC 6613) is an open cluster of stars in the constellation Sagittarius. It was discovered by Charles Messier in 1764 and included in his list of comet-like objects. From the perspective of Earth, M18 is situated between the Omega Nebula (M17) and the Sagittarius Star Cloud (M24). Its age is estimated at 32 million years. It is 4,900 light-years away.

External links

• Messier 18, SEDS Messier pages
• Messier 18 on WikiSky: DSS2, SDSS, GALEX, IRAS, Hydrogen α, X-Ray, Astrophoto, Sky Map, Articles and images

Coordinates: 18^h 19^m 54^s, +17° 07′ 60″