Located in the
constellation of Sagittarius is a globular cluster known as M54.
It is one of the brighter globular clusters in the sky. This
object's close proximity to Zeta Sagittarii, the southernmost
star in the constellation, makes it very easy to find. Although
this cluster is bright, it is small. It could be mistaken for a
star in binoculars. A telescope is really the best way to view
this fine object. M54 is estimated to be about 60,000
light-years from Earth. Some controversy has recently surfaced
about this cluster. Some astronomers believe that it may not be
a part of our galaxy at all, but of a newly discovered dwarf
galaxy. If this turns out to be true, its distance from Earth
could be as much as 80,000 light-years. It would also be the
first extragalactic globular cluster to ever be discovered.
