Located in the constellation Scutum, M11 has
been described as one of the richest and most compact open
clusters. This cluster lies 6,000 light-years from Earth and has
a diameter of about 21 light-years. It is composed of more than
2,900 stars, 600 of which have a visual magnitude brighter than
15. To some, the shape of the cluster resembles that of a flock
of flying ducks. This has helped it to earn the name, Wild Duck
Cluster. This is an easy target to locate with a pair of
binoculars.
