M4 is a globular cluster that lies in the
constellation of Scorpius. It is located about 7,000 light-years
from the Earth. This makes M4 one of the closest of the globular
clusters. It is also one of the most open, or loose globular
clusters. M4 is receding from us at a rate of 65 km/sec. With a
visual magnitude of 5.9, this cluster can easily be seen with
the naked eye on a dark, clear night. With the aid of a small
telescope, it displays a central band of bright stars in a
linear formation.
