Globular Cluster NGC 6342
History
This globular cluster was discovered by William Herschel on 28 May 1786 and listed as bright nebula I 149. He noted: «Considerably bright, pretty small, little extended, easily resolvable.» [464]
Physical Properties
| Designation | NGC 6342 |
| Type | GCL (IV) |
| Right Ascension (J2000.0) | 17h 21m 10.2s |
| Declination (J2000.0) | -19° 35' 12" |
| Diameter | 4.4 arcmin |
| Visual magnitude | 9.5 mag |
| Metric Distance | 8.500 kpc |
| Dreyer Description | cB, pS, lE, er |
| Identification, Remarks | WH I 149; GC 4293; GCL 61; ESO 587-SC6 |
Finder Chart
The globular cluster NGC 6342 is located in the constellation Ophiuchus, circa 1° south of globular cluster Messier 9. On 12 June it is in opposition to the Sun. From Switzerland it can best be seen in the months February to October.
