![[m73.jpg]](m73.jpg)
| Right Ascension | 20 : 58.9 (h:m) |
|---|---|
| Declination | -12 : 38 (deg:m) |
| Distance | 0 (kly) |
| Visual Brightness | 9.0 (mag) |
| Apparent Dimension | 2.8 (arc min) |
| Discovered by | Charles Messier Oct 4th, 1780 |
Although M73 is apparently consisted of 4 stars, 3 of them being of about 10th to 11th magnitude the fourth (D) being of mag 12.0, it is obviously a true Messier object, as Charles Messier described it as:
"Cluster of three or four small stars, which resembles a nebula at first glance, containing very little nebulosity; this cluster is located on the parallel [of declination] of the preceding [M 72]; its position has been determined from the same star [Nu Aquarii]."Apparently, this group found its way into Messier's catalog because he had determined its position at the same time when measuring M72, which is 1.5 degrees to the west. It may have been included because of its "first-glance nebulous" appearance in Messier's instruments. Although it is clear from this description that this group was what Messier had observed and measured, some versions of Messier's catalog omit it as an "obscure" object, however John Herschel has included it in his General Catalogue as GC 4617, and J.L.E. Dreyer included it in the NGC catalog as entry number 6994.
Messier observed M73 on October 4th & 5th, 1780 " Cluster of three or four stars, which at first glance resemble a nebula, and which does not contain any stars." Charles Messier from his catalogue
Close by M72 and NGC 7009 Saturn nebula
Courtesy www.seds.org