Messier 79 (M79, NGC 1904) is a globular star cluster in the constellation Lepus (the Hare), discovered in 1780 by Pierre Méchain. Located about 42,000 light-years away, it's notable for being in the opposite direction of the Milky Way's core, suggesting it may have been captured from a dwarf galaxy like the Canis Major Dwarf Galaxy. It appears as a fuzzy patch in binoculars and is best observed in January, requiring a telescope to resolve its individual stars.
Type: Globular cluster
Constellation: Lepus (the Hare)
Distance: Approximately 42,000 light-years from Earth
Apparent Magnitude: 7.7
Discovery: Pierre Méchain in 1780
Unique Feature: Located far from the galactic center, on the opposite side of the sky from most globular clusters.
Best time to see: January
Binoculars: A small, fuzzy patch
Telescope: A medium-sized telescope is needed to resolve individual stars.
It is believed that M79 is not native to the Milky Way but was likely captured from a smaller, nearby galaxy, possibly the Canis Major Dwarf Galaxy. Image Credit ESA/Hubble
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