Located in the constellation Scutum, M26 is a
small galactic cluster of about 90 stars. It can be found only 3
1/2 degrees from its cousin, M11, but is not nearly as
impressive. This cluster lies about 5,000 light-years from us
and has a diameter of around 22 light-years. Its visual
magnitude of 8 makes it less bright than most of the other
galactic clusters. This cluster can easily be seen with
binoculars, but a 4-inch refractor telescope will only resolve
more of its fainter stars.
