Astronz Object of the Week: M15
Astronz Object of the Week: Messier 15 (M15)
This week, we’re turning our focus to one of the night sky’s springtime treasures: the globular cluster Messier 15 (M15). With over 100,000 stars packed into a dense, glowing cluster, M15 is a must-see for stargazers with binoculars or telescopes.
What is M15?
M15 is a globular cluster—a spherical collection of stars bound tightly by gravity. Located about 33,000 light-years away in the constellation Pegasus, it’s one of the densest known clusters, offering a dazzling view of ancient stars that have been around for billions of years.
How to Find M15
You can locate M15 in the northern sky during mid-evening. Start by spotting the Square of Pegasus, a large rectangle of four bright stars.
- Find the top left star in the square.
- Follow the chain of three stars leading up and to the left, then down to Enif, the bright star marking the horse’s nose.
- With Binoculars: Look just beyond Enif to spot a faint, fuzzy blob—that’s M15!
- With a Telescope: Focus on that fuzzy spot, and you’ll start to see the cluster’s stars resolving into a breathtaking celestial display.
Why Observe M15?
M15 offers a unique opportunity to glimpse the beauty and density of a globular cluster. Its tight core and sheer number of stars make it a rewarding target, whether you’re a beginner with binoculars or an experienced observer with a telescope.
Enjoy your stargazing this week, and let us know if you manage to find M15! If you capture any photos or have tips for other stargazers, share them with us—we’d love to see your cosmic discoveries.
Happy viewing! 🌌